Your Guide to Your Election
We believe in building a brighter, more inclusive future for Alabama. We do that by showing up in our communities and getting involved. From the streets to the voting booth, our voices matter, our stories shape the future, and we build power together.
This non-partisan guide can help you make your voice heard at the polls. We provide candidate bios and voting information. We do not endorse anyone; we want you to decide which candidates best represent you and your community.
Important Dates
Last day to register to vote
Last day to vote absentee in person
Deadline to hand deliver an absentee ballot
Election Day
Run-off Election
August 11, 2025
August 21, 2025
August 25, 2025
August 26, 2025
October 7, 2025
YourVotingPlan
Gotomyinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterviewtocheckyourregistration status,yourpollinglocation,andyourdistricts.Thenfilloutthisvoting plan.Planningaheadincreasesthelikelihoodyou’llvote!
Voter Qualifications
Am I registered at my current address and under my current name?
Is my voter registration status “active”?
I will use this photo ID to vote:
Driver License or Non-Driver ID
U.S. Passport
Government Employee ID
Student or Employee ID from a college or university in Alabama (or another state college)
Valid Military ID
Valid Tribal ID
Alabama Photo Voter ID Card (from the Board of Registrars or the Secretary of State)
Absentee Voting
See alabamavotes.gov for criteria and instructions.
Do I want to vote absentee?
I will vote absentee: By mail
At the City Clerk’s office
Voting on Election Day
My polling location for municipal elections: ____________________
To get to the polls I will:
Drive my vehicle
Walk
Use public transit
Get a ride with a friend
Use a rideshare service
Contact a group offering rides
Voter Eligibility
Will you be at least 18 years old on Election Day?
You are not eligible at this time, but you can still make an impact!
See pg 5
eligible to vote!
Are you a U.S. citizen?
Do you have a previous conviction you believe disqualifies you?
You may still be eligible! See pg. 3.
Register to Vote
If you’re voting for the first time or need to update your information, be sure to register to vote at least 15 days before the election.
Five options for registering:
1.Register online at alabamavotes.gov. You will need a valid Alabama driver license or non-driver ID.
2.Download, print, and mail a paper form from alabamavotes.gov.
3.Register at your Board of Registrars. See pg. 27 for the address.
4.Request a form be mailed to you, then mail it back. See pg. 27 for how to contact the Secretary of State or the Board of Registrars.
5.Go to the public library, the DMV, or another government office that offers benefits. They usually have forms on hand.
Once registered, you will receive a postcard in the mail confirming your registration. You can also check your voter registration status at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview.
The Voting Process
Get in line.
Polling places are open 7 am to 7 pm.
Fill out your ballot.
Black pens provided.
Poll workers will scan it. Sign and accept a receipt.
Turn in your ballot. Feed it into the machine.
Pick up your ballot.
Present your photo ID. Trade the receipt for a ballot.
At the polls, you have the right to:
Cast your vote if you’re in line when the polls close. Stay in line!
Receive a new ballot if you make a mistake on yours.
Vote by provisional ballot if your registration or eligibility is challenged.
Vote free from intimidation. Voter intimidation is illegal. Report any intimidation to poll workers and document and report the incident to local election administrators such as the Municipal Clerk, the County Board of Registrars, and the County District Attorney.
Bring your phone or other materials to help you decide how to vote.
Receive assistance and accommodations for your disability. Bring a friend or an interpreter to help you vote.
Voting FAQs
“Who should I vote for?”
We can’t answer that question for you, but we are happy to offer tips on figuring out who best represents you!
Step 1: Find out who is on your ballot.
Visit myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview to find out your municipal district. Then use this guide or a sample ballot from the City Clerk to find the City Council and Board of Education candidates for your district. All mayoral candidates will also be on your ballot.
Step 2: Learn about your candidates.
Read the candidate bios in this guide to get started. Ask yourself, “Where do they stand on local issues important to me?” and “How does their background or voting record align with my vision for my city?” You can also dig deeper:
Attend a candidate forum or a townhall. Visit candidates’ websites or social media pages. Read Council and Board meeting minutes to check voting records. Look into their campaign financing at fcpa.alabamavotes.gov.
Step 3: Make note of your picks. You can mark up this guide and take it with you to the polls.
“I am a student. Where do I register?”
Undergrad or grad students can register either with their school address OR at their family’s residence. Consider where you feel most connected and informed or where your vote has the biggest impact.
Where you register will not impact your financial aid package, your parents’ ability to claim you as a dependent on their taxes, or where you can get a driver license or register your car.
“I have
a criminal conviction. Can I vote?”
Not all criminal convictions prevent you from registering to vote in Alabama. For most convictions that disqualify you from voting, there is a process for restoring your voting rights so you can register.
Our partner organization Return My Vote will help you determine your voting eligibility and walk you through the process of registering or restoring your right to vote. Visit returnmyvote.org for more information and to request a free consultation.
“How
do I avoid issues while voting?”
Know that you have rights. If the gender marker on your ID does not match your presentation and/or identity, poll workers are NOT allowed to deny you a ballot OR ask you questions about your trans identity or medical history.
Here are some tips to help voting go more smoothly: Use your government name. Register to vote using the legal name and gender marker on your state-issued ID. Keep things up-to-date. Update your registration if you change your legal name, gender marker, or address. Take your ID(s). Only one form of ID is required to vote on Election Day, but you may want to bring any additional IDs, a recent utility bill, and/or your voter registration card to help prove your identity in the event of a dispute. See pg. 5 for eligible IDs. You can bring a buddy with you to vote. You are allowed to bring along a friend, whether they vote in the same location or not, to be your moral support. While you’re at it, your group of friends could organize to accompany each other to your different polling places.
If you run into any issues at the polls, call 866-OUR-VOTE.
“What
disability accommodations may I receive?”
Unless otherwise declared by a judge, people with mental and physical disabilities have the right to vote in an accessible way. You also have the right to vote for whom or for what you choose.
Possible accommodations for different disabilities include: Every polling site offers accessible voting machines. These machines must provide the same chance for meaningful voting participation, including privacy and independence. Disabled voters and voters over the age of 70 may move to the front of the voting line if they notify a poll worker. People with disabilities have the right to receive voting assistance from a person of their choice or from a poll worker. Election officials must provide you access to any voting booth, ballot, form, machine, or equipment that would help you vote. They must be willing to adapt if you can’t use the equipment provided.
For more, visit adap.ua.edu or reach out to the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program’s Voting Rights Advocate at 205-348-0123.
How City Government Operates
Mayor + City Council: How do they work together?
The City of Opelika operates under the Mayor/Council form of government with the mayor elected at large and the five City Council members elected by ward. Elections for all six offices (the Mayor and City Council) are held every four years.
Budgets
The Mayor, who is the Chief Executive Officer and the city's governmental representative, reports to the Opelika City Council regarding the City's functions and budgetary concerns
Passing ordinances
The Mayor and the City Council may propose ordinances, the City Council may vote to pass them, and the Mayor may sign, veto, or let them pass. If the Mayor vetoes an ordinance, two-thirds of the council may override the veto and pass it. The Mayor then enforces all laws and ordinances.
Departments and personnel
The City Council establishes administrative departments and divisions, and the Mayor appoints, supervises, and removes the personnel in those roles City Council members only supervise their own staff. The Mayor also has a staff and establishes departments within the Mayor’s Office. The Mayor and the City Council appoint people to some boards and agencies.
AttendCityCouncilmeetingsonthefirstandthirdTuesdayof eachmonthat6pmtoheartheMayor’sreportandwatchthe Councilpassordinances.
BothCityCouncilWorkSessionandCouncilmeetingagendas arepostedonthewebsite(www.opelika-al.gov/129/agendasminutes).
Applyforanappointmenttoacityboardoragency.Applyat www.opelika-al.gov/143/Apply-for
Candidates for Mayor
We do not endorse any candidates.
☐Herman G. Barnes, III
Herman G. Barnes, III, says he is running to be the mayor because he cares about his town and wants to make it better for everyone who lives there. He says he wants to be that leader who helps everyone work together for a brighter future. He says he believes that by working together, everyone can help the city grow and improve. Barnes says his goal is to listen to the community and take care of the city’s needs.
☐ Raven Harvis
Raven Harvis’ stated goal is to make Opelika a safe, strong, and welcoming place for all families. She says she believes that when the people succeed, the whole city succeeds. Raven says she plans to help schools by giving students and teachers more support and better tools to learn and grow. She states she also wants to bring more jobs to the city by helping small businesses and inviting new companies to come. Raven says she thinks it's important to listen to everyone’s ideas and let more people be part of decision-making. She states she believes in fairness, honesty, and working together as a community.
☐ Eddie Smith
Eddie Smith, as a banker and former president of the City Council, says he knows a lot about how the city works. Though he is fighting cancer, he says he won’t give up working hard for the people of Opelika. Eddie states he wants to make sure the city stays safe, friendly, and full of opportunities for everyone. If he becomes mayor, he states he plans to support local businesses, bring new jobs to the area, and help the city grow without losing its special charm. He says that if he can keep going through his cancer battle, then the city can face its challenges together.
for Opelika Mayor
Candidates for City Council
We do not endorse any candidates.
Ward 1
☐ George Allen
George Allen says his message is simple: “You can count on him to listen and work hard.” Allen grew up in Opelika and states he wants to make sure everyone’s voice is heard He states he plans to fix roads, sidewalks, and pipes, and make schools better by letting people vote for school board members. Allen states he believes all neighborhoods should be treated fairly. He has worked with kids, raised money for scholarships, and helped start programs like the Boys & Girls Club.
☐ Melvin Brooks
Melvin Brooks was a firefighter for 25 years. He states he wants to help make Opelika safer, cleaner, and fair for all people. Brooks states he believes everyone should be treated equally, no matter where they live or who they are. Brooks states he also wants to bring people together and listen to their ideas and problems. He says he will work hard to fix issues in the city and help make Opelika a place people are proud to live in.
☐ Darrell Sistrunk
Darrell Sistrunk says he wants to be a voice for the people in Ward 1 and help the city grow in a smart and caring way. Sistrunk states he wants to listen to the people in his neighborhood and work on things like fixing roads, making parks nicer, and helping schools. Sistrunk states he hopes to make life better for families and children in Opelika by helping to make good decisions about how the city spends money and what projects are most important.
Polling Place for Ward 1:
Ward 2
☐ Nate Dunlap, Jr.
Nate Dunlap, Jr., says he wants to make sure everyone has a fair chance to succeed and live well in Opelika. Dunlap has worked with the city to teach families how to save money, pay off debt, and plan for the future. He states if elected, he wants to bring even more free classes and programs to help people buy homes and feel more secure. Dunlap states he believes that when people have strong money skills, the whole city becomes stronger.
☐Janataka Hughley-Holmes
Janataka Hughley-Holmes has lived in Opelika for years, and she says she has already worked hard to help others. Hughley-Holmes states that now she wants to do even more by serving on the City Council. She says she cares about families, kids, and seniors and wants to make the community safer and stronger. Janataka plans to improve safety, create programs to help young people with school and jobs, and support older adults. She states she also wants to make sure there are affordable homes for families.
☐Erica Baker-Norris
Erica Baker-Norris says she is running for City Council because she wants to keep making the city a better place for everyone. She plans to help families by creating more affordable housing and more programs for kids and older adults. She also wants to fix roads and parks, support small businesses, and make sure the city is safe and welcoming. Erica believes in treating everyone fairly and spending the city’s money wisely. She says she has already worked hard on these things and wants to keep going to help her neighbors and make Opelika a place where all people can thrive.
☐Ernie Rains
Ernie Rains says his goal is to make Opelika a great place for families, workers, and businesses. Rains owns a business called Rock 'N Roll Pinball, where people can play games and enjoy music. He states he believes his experience allows him to know what the city needs. Rains plans to help small businesses by making it easier for them to start and grow, so they can create jobs. Rains states he also wants to fix the roads to make driving easier and safer for everyone.
Polling place for Ward 2:
Opelika Learning Center, 214 Deter Street
☐ Tim Aja
Tim Aja says he wants to keep helping the community grow in a good way. Aja states he cares about making sure new buildings fit with the town’s history and character. He says he also wants people in Opelika to be involved in planning for the future and to learn about money so they can make smart choices. Aja states he will work to improve parks and places like the golf course so everyone has fun spots to visit. Aja says with his experience in business and the Navy, he is ready to keep working hard to make Opelika a better place for everyone.
☐ Leigh Whatley
Leigh Whatley’s stated goal is to help the city grow in a way that keeps it special and safe for everyone. Whatley has lived in Opelika for over 24 years and has worked with schools, churches, and community projects. Whatley believes her years on the Historic Planning Commission have allowed her to help plan how the city grows. She says she wants to listen to people’s ideas and make smart choices to keep Opelika a great place to live.
Ward 4
☐ Chuck Beams
Chuck Beams believes that working together will make Opelika a great place to live while keeping its friendly, small-town feel. Beams has lived in Opelika for almost 25 years and says he knows the city well. Chuck works in healthcare and has helped lead groups like the school board and chamber of commerce. He states his plans include making neighborhoods safe; improving education, especially for young kids; creating more jobs; and fixing roads and parks.
☐ Trip Garner
Trip Garner says he wants to make sure the city government is open and honest with everyone. He plans to focus on improving parks and places where families can have fun and stay active. Garner states he also wants to support good schools and help local businesses grow so there are more jobs in Opelika. He says he believes it is important to listen to all people in the community and work together to fix problems like traffic, safety, and city services.
Ward 5
☐ Tom Penton
Tom Penton has lived in Opelika for a long time and states he has contributed to projects like the SportsPlex and downtown development. Penton says if elected, he plans to make the city safer by supporting police and emergency services, helping schools by giving kids better learning chances and supporting teachers, bringing more businesses to create jobs, and ensuring that important services like water and electricity are reliable and affordable
☐ Todd Rauch
Todd Rauch states he wants to be re-elected to the City Council to keep helping his neighborhood and the whole city. He plans to fix roads, sidewalks, and stormwater systems. Todd says he supports schools by making sure they get the resources they need to help students and teachers. He says he also wants to create more jobs by helping people learn new skills. Rauch states he cares about the environment and wants to improve recycling and green habits. He says he wants to make sure everyone’s voice is heard in city decisions.
Special thanks to our volunteer contributors: Robin Brown, Carolyn Morton, Lee Wilkins, Julia Walker, and to Greater Birmingham Ministries, sponsor of the Alabama Poor People’s Campaign
Thank you also to the nonprofits, businesses, neighborhood associations, faith groups, libraries, and individuals who help distribute our guide! Thanks to Alabama Forward for funding this guide.
Secretary of State
AlabamaState Capitol Building - Suite S-105 600 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7200
Location 204 S 7th Street Opelika, AL 36803
Board of Registrars
Lee County 205 South 10 Street th Opelika, Alabama 36801 334-737-3635
English: 1-866-687-8683 (The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law)
Spanish: 1-888-839-8682 (NALEO Educational Fund)
Arabic: 1-844-925-5287 (Yalla Vote) Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese: 1-888-274-8683 (APIAVote and AAJC)
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