Your Guide to Your Election
We believe in building a brighter, more inclusive future for Selma! 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
ImportantDates
Town Hall (Mayor)
Last day to register to vote
Town Hall (City Council)
Last day to vote absentee in person
Deadline to hand deliver an absentee ballot
Election Day
Run-off Election
August 7 2025 th August 11, 2025
August 14, 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 Registrar, 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.
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?
In city government, the Mayor is the head of the executive branch and the City Council is the legislative branch. They are elected every four years.
Budgets
The Mayor proposes the Operating and Capital Budgets. The City Council can propose certain edits pending the Mayor’s approval. The City Council passes the budgets after a public hearing. The Mayor’s Office then administers the budgets and all city finances.
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.
AttendCityCouncilmeetingsonthe2 and4 Tuesdayat nd th 6:00pmtoheartheMayor’sreportandwatchtheCouncil passordinances.
Applyforanappointmenttoacityboardoragency.Applyatthe SelmaCityClerk'soffice.
ParticipateinyourNeighborhoodAssociation.
Candidates for Mayor
We do not endorse any candidates.
☐JamesPerkinsJr.(Incumbent)
JamesPerkinsJr.wasthecity’sfirstBlackmayor(2000–2008)andreturnedtoofficein2020. HealsoservedasPresidentoftheNationalConferenceofBlackMayors.Withamathematics degreefromAlabamaA&MandcomputerscienceteachingexperienceatSelmaUniversity,he isabusinessman,pastor,andeducator.Asmayor,PerkinsoversawSelma’s2030 comprehensiveplanandsecuredHUDgrantsforlead safehousing.Ifre-elected,hestateshe willfocusonrevitalizingdowntownviahistoricpreservation,boostinginfrastructurerepairs, andexpandingcommunityservicesinschoolsandseniors’care.Hesayshepledgesdeeper investmentinyouthprogramstocontinueSelma’slegacyasthe“QueenCityoftheBlackBelt.”
☐ MichaelJackson
MichaelJacksonisaSelma-basedattorneywithover15yearsoflegalexperience,including civilrightslitigationandmunicipalpolicywork.HecurrentlypracticesattheJackson&Smith firm,representingsmallbusinessesandnonprofitorganizationsinSelma ASelmaHigh alumnusandUniversityofAlabamalawgraduate,Jacksonhasspearheadedprobonoeffortsto resolvehousingcodeviolations Ifelectedmayor,hepledgestoenforceequitablecode enforcement,ensuretransparentgovernance,andstrengthensmall-businesssupportby streamliningpermittingprocesses.Jacksonsayshewillprioritizelegaladvocacyfortenant rights,launchacitywideentrepreneurshipinitiative,andcollaboratewithlocaluniversitieson workforcedevelopment allwhilefosteringinclusivepublicparticipationincityplanning.
☐ JohnnyE.Moss,III
JohnnyMoss,IIIisaresidentofSelma,Alabama,andadedicatedpublicservant.Hecurrently servesasDirectorofMarketingandCollegeRelationsatWallaceCommunityCollege Selmaandisatwo-termelectedPresidentoftheSelmaCitySchoolBoard.Withabackground infinance,realestate,andeducation,Mossplanstobringsaresults-drivenandcommunity-first perspectivetothemayoralrace.Hestateshiscampaignwillfocusonunity,publicsafety,and neighborhoodrevitalization. MosssaysheisgroundedinhisbeliefthatSelma’sfuturemustbebuilt throughsharedresponsibilityandbold,compassionateleadership.
☐ AaronRoper
AaronRoperisalocalentrepreneurandrestaurateurinSelma,owningtwodowntowncafés andsourcingexclusivelyfromlocalproducers ASelmaresidentwhograduatedfrom SelmaHighandAlabamaState,healsoservesontheChamber’ssmall-businesscouncil.Heledthe foundingoftheSelmaFarmers’Collectiveandorganizesmonthlysmall-businessworkshops. Hestatesheaimstoestablishadowntownbusinessincubator,expandfaçade-improvement grantstoattractnewcommerce,andlauncha“BuySelma”campaigntoboostlocalspending HealsoplanstopartnerwithtourismagenciestomarketSelma’sheritagecorridors,thereby increasingfoottrafficandcreatingsustainableeconomicgrowthrootedinlocalenterprise.
☐Rev.JarmalJ.Sanders
Rev.JarmalJ.SandersisaSelmapastorengagedinfaith-basedcommunityoutreach.Heorganizes localyouthmentoring,fooddrives,andvoterregistrationinitiativesinhistoricallyunderrepresented neighborhoods.Currently,seniorpastoratadowntownchurch,Sandershasledeffortstorefurbish churchfacilitiesintoinclusivecommunitycenters.RaisedinSelma,hesayshecreditshisupbringing forinstillingcivicduty.Ifelectedmayor,hesayshewillprioritizeaffordablehousingand neighborhoodrevitalization,mandatepartnershipswithnon profitsforyoutheducationandjob training,andexpandmental-healthprogramsthroughfaith-communitycoalitions.Sanders emphasizesmoralleadership,promisingtransparentgovernmentthatliftstheentirecitythrough faith-forwardcivicaction.
☐ TemekiaSykes
TemekiaSykesisacommunityhealthorganizerandnonprofitdirectorinSelma,focusingon ruralhealthaccessandwellnesseducation.Sheleadshealthfairsandcoordinatesmobile clinicsinunderservedwards.AgraduateofJacksonStateUniversityinpublichealth,Sykes previouslymanagedacitywidenutritionprogramforschoolchildren.Ifelected,shepledgesto expandaccesstohealthcarebypartneringwithcountyhospitalstobringclinicsintomobile units,launchcity-fundedmental-healthoutreach,andembedwellnessprogramminginto neighborhoodcenters.Sykesalsowantstopromoteincreasinggreenspacesforphysical activityandmentalhealth,andcitywidewellnesscampaignstolowerchronicdiseaserates, especiallyamonglow-incomeresidents.
☐
RonitaWade
RonitaWadeisabusinessleaderandcurrentAccountant&BenefitsAdministrator forthePerryCountyCommission,withover27yearsofexperienceinaccounting,government, andnonprofitfinance.AformerFinanceDirectorfortheCityofSelmaandCityTreasurerfor Atlanta,Wadehasledmultimillion-dollarrevitalizationefforts,includingworkonthe1993 CentennialOlympicsprojects.SheisCEOofWadeConsultingGroupLLCandholdsdegrees fromtheUniversityofAlabamaandSamfordUniversity.Afifth-generationSelmanativeraised inEastSelma,Wadestatesshehaschampionedneighborhoodrevitalization,economicdevelopment, andmentalhealthadvocacy.ActiveinAlphaKappaAlpha,TheLinks,andKiwanis,shesaysshevalues unity,public-privatecollaboration,andcommunitypartnerships.Hervision:“TogetherWeCanBuilda BetterSelma.”
Candidates for City Council
We do not endorse any candidates.
Ward 1
☐TroyHarvill(Incumbent)
TroyHarvillisthesittingCityCouncilrepresentativeforSelma’sWard 1,seekingre‑electionin theAugust26,2025municipalelection.ASelmanative,Harvillgraduatedfromlocalschools andbuiltacareerinbanking,realestatedevelopment,construction,andtelecommunications, includingservingasDirectorofFinanceatPineBeltCommunications.Sincetakingofficein 2020,hehasfocusedonmunicipalfinancestability,citycleanup,publicsafety,and neighborhoodaesthetics.Harvillemphasizesdata drivengovernance,financialaccountability, andresponsivenesstoconstituentconcerns. Harvillstressesthatservingisnotabout politics,butapplyingskillstoimprovecityservicesandqualityoflifeforWard 1residents.
☐CharlesBennett
CharlesBennettisaveteranandskilledtradesmanrunningforSelmaCityCouncilinWard 1in the2025municipalelection.Heemphasizeshands onleadershipgroundedinmilitaryand vocationalexperience.Bennett’splatformincludesimprovingroadqualityandlighting, supportingjobtraining,encouragingsmallbusinessinvestment,expandinghomeownership, andenhancingaccesstoVAbenefitsandfamilyservices.Heframeshisapproacharound connectingresidentswithresourcesandbuildingeconomicstabilityinWard 1.Bennett’s campaignsloganis“PoweringSelma’sfuture,oneconnectionatatime.”
☐FeliciaKing-Thomas
FeliciaKing‑Thomasisalifelongresidentrunningforthe2025councilraceinWard 1.She hasexperienceineducation,ministry,andmentorship.Sheemphasizesintegrity,collaborative leadership,andvision.King‑Thomasplanstoaddresseconomicrevitalizationandjobcreation, publicsafetyandcrimereduction,housingstabilityandblightabatement,plusyouth engagement.Sheframeshercampaignaroundinclusiverepresentationandcooperative policymaking.King‑Thomasaimstoelevatecommunityvoicesandpartnerwithotherelected officialstodelivertangibleimprovementsforresidentsofWard 1.
Ward 2
☐ ChristieThomas(Incumbent)
ChristieThomaswaselectedcouncilmemberinthepreviouscycle,andsheemphasizestransparent andaccountableleadership,accessiblegovernment,andaforward lookingvision reflectedinher campaignslogan“Let’sMoveForward”.Thomassupportsoutreachprograms,mentorshipinitiatives foryouth,anddecision‑makingthatreflectsWard2residents&priorities.Hercontinuationinoffice indicatesarecordofcitygovernance
☐ TreborJ.Dukes
TreborJ.DukesisaWard 2candidateinthe2025Selmamunicipalelection.Hehasa backgroundineducation,advocacy,andentrepreneurship.Dukessupportsleadershiprootedin service,action,andvision Hisplatformincludesinvestinginyouthandseniorprograms, expandingequityandgrowthpathways,andsupportingcommunitystability.Dukesemphasizes actionablepolicyoverrhetoric.
☐ Otto Hunter
OttoHunterisacandidateforWard 2intheSelmaCityCouncilraceof2025 HeisaSelma nativeactiveinthelocalcommunity.Hunterhasemphasizedincreasingpolicepresence, installingsurveillancecameras,expandingyouthrecreationopportunities,improvingwellness programsforseniors,andadvocatingforcityworkerpayincreases.Hunter’splatformcenters aroundpublicsafety,neighborhoodhealth,andsupportformunicipalemployees
Ward 3
Circuit Court Judge (10th Judicial Circuit)
☐ ClayCarmichael(Incumbent)
Circuit Court is the highest court in the county. The circuit courts are where jury trials take place. In most Alabama counties, the circuit courts hear both civil and criminal cases. In Jefferson County there is a civil division and a criminal division. The jurisdiction and powers of the circuit court are set forth by statute.
ClayCarmichaelistheincumbentWard 3citycouncilmember,runningforre election.Heisa lifelongWard 3residentandhasservedonthecouncilformultipleterms. Heisinvolvedinpublic safetyenhancements,cleanupcampaigns,codeenforcement,andpublicworksprojects.Hehelped secureincreasedbudgetsforcityfireandpolicedepartments,implementedcity-widesurveillance cameras,andadvancednuisanceabatementandhousingdemolitioneffortstoaddressblight.Hechairs publicworksinitiatives,collaborateswithcountypartnersonlittercontrol,andadvocatesfor transparentfinancialreporting.
☐ CollinsPettaway,III
CollinsPettaway,III,acandidateforWard 3,isaSelmanative. PettawayholdsaBachelorofArtsin PoliticalScienceandaMasterofScienceinCommunicationStudieswithafocusonpolitical communications.HepledgestorestoretransparencyandunitytoWard 3,responddirectlyto residents'concerns,andaddressissuesthroughresponsibleleadershipandfollow-through.He prioritizestheselong-overdueissues:Blightedproperties,codeenforcement,publicsafety, educationandyouthsupport. Pettawayplanstoaddresstheseissuesbyforgingpartnerships betweencitycodeofficials,lawenforcement,communitygroupsandschools.
Ward 4
☐ LesiaS.James(Incumbent)
LesiaS.JamesisaSelmanativeandformercitymagistratewhocurrentlyservesastheMedia ClerkandSeniorGraduationCoordinatoratSelmaHighSchool.Inherrole,shemanages grantsandstudentactivitiesthatsupportyouthdevelopmentandschoolpride.Jamesisa communicatorwhohelpsconnectthedistrict’smissionwithstudents,parents,andthebroader community.HercampaignvisioncentersonbuildingaSelmawherepeopleofeveryrace, incomelevel,andbackgroundcanthrive.Shepledgestoadvocateforpoliciesthatpromote equity,communitycollaboration,andmeaningfulopportunitiesforresidents.Withabackground rootedinbothmunicipalserviceandeducation,Jamessaysshebringsacommitmenttoserving Ward4withintegrity,clarity,andcompassion.
Ward 5
☐ MariamaDeRamus
MariamaDeRamusisafourth-generationSelmaresidentandveteraneducatorwithovera decadeofexperienceinserviceandadvocacy.Sheservesasthespecialeducationdepartment chairandProjectSAFEleader,whereshe’simprovedacademicperformanceandreducedchronic absenteeismcitywide.DeRamusholdsmultipleadvanceddegreesfromAuburn University,includinganEd.S.inCollaborativeTeaching,andispursuingaPh.D.inEducational Leadership.Herplatformisgroundedinaccountability,transparency,andcollaboration.If elected,shepledgestocombatcrimeandblight,stimulateeconomicgrowth,andchampion policiesthatempowerfamiliesandseniors.Hervisionincludesexpandingjobtraining, beautifyingneighborhoods,andstrengtheningcommunitysafety.
Ward 5 (continued)
☐ TimfreitDrane
Timfreit“Drano”DraneisaU.S.veteran,communityorganizer,andHollywoodactorwithover 30yearsofexperienceingrassrootsdevelopmentacrossAlabama’sBlackBelt.Asco-founder oftheGrassrootsDemocracyandEconomicJusticeMovement,hehelpedsecureover$100 millioninresourcesforSelma leadingprojectsinaffordablehousing,crimeprevention,and economicrevitalization.ASelma-basedadvocate,Draneblendscreativityandstrategy,using hisstorytellingskillstoinspirecivicaction.Heholdsmultipledegreesincludingamaster’sin projectmanagementfromTroyandispursuingaPh.D.inRuralBusinessDevelopment.
Drane’scampaigncentersonparticipatoryleadership,economicjustice,andpublicsafety.Hesays heiscommittedtorebuildingcommunitiesthroughfaith,education,andtransformativelocal investment ensuringWard5thrivesfromthegroundup.
☐ QueenV.Imani
QueenV.ImanibringsprofessionalexpertiseinHumanResourcesandPropertyManagement, alongwithwhatshedescribesasafresh,community-centeredvisionforWard5.Imanisaysshe isreadytorolluphersleevesandworkalongsidecityleadersandresidentstoaddressshared challenges.Herplatformemphasizesfinancialliteracy,housingreform,educationalaccess,and neighborhoodbeautification.Shebelievesinlisteningfirst—understandingwhatresidentsneed andthenimplementingstrategic,inclusivesolutionsthatreflectthosegoals.Imaniseesgreat untappedpotentialinSelmaandisdeterminedtohelpthecityembracegrowthandpositive change.Committedtocollaborationandprogress,shepromisestobearesponsivevoiceforthe peopleandaproactivepartnerinbuildingastronger,morevibrantSelma.
☐ NadineS.Sturdivant
NadineSturdivantisalifelongresidentofWard5withnearly40yearsofexperienceliving, working,andraisingafamilyinthecommunity AgraduateofSelmaHighSchool,shealso studiedatWallaceCommunityCollegeSelmaandTroyUniversity.Sturdivantpreviouslyworked asabookkeeperatSelmaHighSchool.Hercampaignemphasizeslocalleadershiprootedin livedexperience,withprioritiesincludingsaferstreets,youthopportunities,affordablehousing, andstrengthenedcommunityprograms Sturdivantadvocatesforincreasedaccountabilityand transparencyincitygovernment.Shedescribeshercampaignasacommunity-focusedeffort aimedataddressingtheneedsoffamilies,seniors,smallbusinesses,andfuturegenerations.
SturdivantseekstobringanewvoiceandvisiontotheCityCouncil,reflectingtheconcernsand aspirationsofWard5residents
☐ AtkinJemison(incumbent)
AtkinJemisonistheincumbentrepresentativeforWard6ontheSelmaCityCouncil,first electedin2020afterwinningthegeneralandrunoffelectionsinAugustandOctoberof thatyear.AlifelongresidentofWard6anda1989graduateofSelmaHighSchool, JemisoncurrentlyservesasanappraiserfortheDallasCountyCommission.Heholds degreesinsciencefromWallaceCommunityCollege‑Selma,businessmanagement fromConcordiaCollege,andresourcemanagementfromFaulknerUniversity.Duringhis 2020campaign,Jemisonspokeaboutdevelopingavisionandgoalsforneighborhood improvement,youthopportunity,andeconomicrevitalization.Hisprioritiesinclude renovatingparks,expandingyouthprograms,andrestoringWard6asaneconomic contributorwithinSelma.
EricaDay’splatformiscenteredonrestoringneighborhoods,creatingopportunitiesfor residents,andbuildingatransparent,accountablelocalgovernment.Dayhasoutlined fourcampaignpillars:CommunityTrust&Transparency,EconomicDevelopment& Investment,YouthEngagement&Education,andSafety&NeighborhoodHealth.She proposesmonthlytownhalls,real-timecommunicationwithresidents,andpartnerships tosupportprogresscitywide.Hereconomicprioritiesincludeneighborhood revitalization,smallbusinesssupport,andworkforcetraining.Dayalsoemphasizes launchingyouthprograms,expandingmentalhealthservices,andpromotingeducation inthearts,trades,andtechnology.Hersafetyplanincludesblightreduction,code enforcement,andmentorshipinitiatives.AdescendantofSelma,Daypledgestobring focused,collaborativeleadershiptoWard6andthebroaderSelmacommunity.
.
☐ AshleyErvin
AshleyErvin,aproudnativeofWard6,isrunningforCityCounciltobringactive,transparent leadershiptohercommunity.Passionateaboutsaferstreets,bettercityservices,and opportunitiesforyouth,ErviniscommittedtobuildingaSelmawherepeoplecanthrive.She believesinlisteningtoresidents,learningfromtheirexperiences,andleadingwithintegrityand compassion.Herprioritiesincludecreatingpathwaysforyoungpeopletostayandsucceedin Selma,strengtheningsupportforseniors,andensuringeveryvoiceisheardinlocaldecisions. Ervinpromisestobea“VoiceforthePeople,”advocatingforinclusivegrowth,responsive governance,andsolutionsgroundedincommunityvalues.Herleadershipiscenteredon accountabilityandtrust,ensuringWard6movesforwardtogether.
☐ SharonC.Taylor
SharonC.TaylorhasbeenaresidentofSelma’sWard6since1971.SheisrunningforCityCouncil withadesiretobringcollaborative,citizen-focusedleadershiptolocalgovernment.Taylorbelieves Selmaneedsconcernedandhardworkingindividualswhoarecommittedtoservingthecommunity withoutpersonalagendas.Sheemphasizestheimportanceofunityandcooperationamongelected officialsandwantstomovebeyondongoingconflictsbetweenthemayorandcitycouncil.Tayloris dedicatedtoworkingforthebettermentofherneighborhoodandtheentirecity.Hercampaign centersonlisteningtoresidents,promotingaccountability,andensuringthatWard6receivesthe attentionandresourcesitdeserves.Taylorpledgestoservewithintegrityandtoprioritizethe needsofherconstituents.
☐ JannieThomas(Incumbent)
JannieThomasisalong-standingcommunityadvocateandcertifiedmunicipalofficerwith yearsofcivicengagementinSelma.Hercampaignfocusesonresponsiblegovernance, transparency,andfiscalintegrity.Asacertifiedmunicipalofficer,Thomasistrainedtoensure Selmapassesbalancedbudgets,followsproperbidlaws,andenactsordinancesthatmeet staterequirements.Shebelievesinservantleadershiprootedincareforherneighborsanda deeploveforhercity.ThomaspledgestoworkdiligentlyforthepeopleofWard7,providinga steady,experiencedhandtonavigatecitychallenges.Hergoalistopromoteunity,economic stability,andpublicsafetywhileensuringallresidentshaveavoiceinshapingSelma’sfuture.
☐ DemontePurifoy
DemontePurifoyisalifelongresidentofWard7andacandidatefortheSelmaCityCouncil. Hehasprofessionalexperienceasaneducator,coach,andyouthmentor,alongwitha backgroundinpublicsafetyandcommunitydevelopment.Purifoy’scampaignfocuses onbuildingsaferneighborhoods,supportingfamilies,andexpandingopportunitiesfor youth Headvocatesforincreasedneighborhoodpatrols,cleanercommunities,and youth-centeredprograms.HisplatformincludesthecreationofayouthcenterorBoys andGirlsClubinWard7toprovidesafespacesandskilldevelopment.Healsosupports revitalizingHighlandAvenuethroughinvestmentinlocallyownedbusinessesthatreflect andservethecommunity.PurifoyemphasizestheimportanceofunitywithintheCity Councilandbelievescollaborationisessentialforlong-termprogressinSelma. .
Ward 8
☐ MichaelJohnson(Incumbent)
MichaelJohnsonisthecurrentCityCouncilrepresentativeforWard8inSelma,Alabama, seekingre electioninthemunicipalelectionsetforAugust26,2025.Astheincumbent councilman,heholdsresponsibilitiesinvotingonkeyissuesimpactingthecity.Most recently,JohnsonjoinedfellowCouncilmembersinpassingamultiplexcontract proposal ameasurewhichpassedwitha4–3vote.Additionalbiographicalorpolicy details—suchashispriorities,professionalbackground,orcivicexperience—havenot beenpubliclydisclosedasofmid‑June2025.
City Council President
We do not endorse any candidates.
☐ Warren“Billy”Young(incumbent)
Warren“Billy”YoungcurrentlyservesasSelma’sCityCouncilPresidentandisrunningto continueleadingwithresultsandfiscalresponsibility.Hehighlightsthecity’sroadworkprojects asproofthatdifferentbranchesofgovernmentcanworktogethereffectively Youngisfocused onreducingSelma’s$2.1millionannuallong-termdebtandcreatingfinancialstabilityforfuture growth.Withafocusoncollaborationandprogress,Young’scampaignemphasizesefficient budgeting,infrastructureimprovements,andstrategicplanning.
☐ KennardRandolph
KennardRandolphisrunningtobringaccountable,responsiveleadershiptoSelma.He believesinleadershipthatworkswith notagainst thepeople.Randolphdesirestolisten first,understandingtheneedsofresidents,andleadingwithempathyandintegrity.Hiscampaign emphasizesinclusiveengagementandcollaborativeproblem-solving.Randolphenvisionsa councilthatprioritizesinfrastructure,equity,andefficientcityserviceswhilerestoringpublictrust ingovernment.Hebelieveshisleadershipstylevaluesunderstandingoverdivisionand responsivenessoverrhetoric,makinghimavoiceforWard8andallofSelma.
BoardofEducation
The city Board of Education consists of five members who serve four-year terms overseeing operations of the city school system.
The city Board of Education hires and fires the Superintendent, Chief Financial Officer, and Board Lawyer for the school district. The Board works with the Superintendent to establish a vision for the school system and adopt goals, policies, and operating budgets. The Board is charged with addressing student needs, student performance, and overall operations. The Board also reviews data to monitor implementation of policies and programs and advocates for the needs, resources, and interests of students.
HowtoGetInvolvedwiththeSchoolSystem:
• Attend Board of Education meetings. Follow the board to be notified of meetings: facebook.com/selmacityschools.
• Attend PTA meetings at your child’s school. You can form a group if one does not exist.
GetInvolvedwithUs!
The Alabama Poor People’s Campaign is part of a 43-state campaign movement of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. We are uniting people across the country to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation, and the nation’s distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism.
Scan the QR code on the cover to join the movement to receive newsletters, connect with others in your area, and to take action in one of these ways:
Volunteer: Sign up to support events and initiatives near you
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network and invite others to join
Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates, event announcements, and ways to take action.
Show Up: Monthly Statewide meetings every 3 Sunday 7p - 8p via Zoom. Call 205.677.6107 rd
Candidates for Board of Education
We do not endorse any candidates. School Board President
☐ CicelyCurtis
CicelyCurtisisacandidateforSelmaCitySchoolBoardPresidentwithexperiencein educationandcivicinvolvement Shehasworkedoninitiativespromotingacademic achievementandcommunityengagement.Curtisadvocatesforsafelearning environments,supportforeducators,andincreasedaccesstoresourcesforall students.Hercampaignemphasizesdata-drivendecision-making,familyinvolvementin education,andequitableopportunitiesacrossallschools Shebelievesintransparent leadershipandpolicysolutionsthatreflectthecommunity'svaluesandneeds.Curtis hasbeenactiveinseverallocalprogramsfocusedonyouthdevelopmentandeducation reform.SheresidesinSelmaandiscommittedtoworkingwithstakeholderstobuilda strongerschooldistrictthatservesallchildreneffectively
☐ LaBarronMack
LaBarronMackisaSelmanativeandcandidateforSchoolBoardPresident,bringinga backgroundinlegaladvocacyandcivicleadership.AgraduateofSelmaHighSchool, Mackhassupportedpubliceducationandcommunitydevelopmentthroughhis professionalandvolunteerwork.Hehasheldleadershiproles,includinginyouth mentorshipandcivicorganizations.Mackisfocusedonschoolsafety,improvedacademic performance,fiscalresponsibility,andteacherretention.Hisplatformincludesincreasing communityinputindecision-makingandpromotingtransparencyinboardgovernance. Mackemphasizesunityandcollaborationamongboardmembers,families,andeducators. Heseekstoensurestudentsreceiveaqualityeducationinasupportiveandaccountablesystem.
School
Board District 1
☐AudreyL.Strong
AudreyStrongisacandidateforSchoolBoardDistrict1,campaigningunderthemotto “Togetherwecanbuildstrongerschools.”Alongtimecommunitymember,Strongis committedtoensuringeverychildinthedistricthasaccesstohigh-qualityeducation. Herfocusincludesstrengtheningacademicstandards,supportingeducators,and increasingparentalinvolvementintheeducationalprocess.Shebelievesinopen communicationbetweenschoolsandfamiliesandvaluescommunity-basedsolutionsto districtchallenges.Strongadvocatesforcreatingastableandsupportiveenvironment forbothstudentsandteachers.
School Board District 2
☐ BrendaR.Obomanu(Incumbent)
BrendaObomanuistheincumbentcandidateforSelmaSchoolBoardDistrict2. Specificbiographicaldetailswerenotprovided.Obomanu’scampaignemphasizesa commitmenttocontinuityandexperienceontheboard.Asanincumbent,shebrings institutionalknowledgeofschooloperationsanddecision-makingprocesses.Herrecord includesparticipationinpoliciesandinitiativesaimedatimprovingstudentperformance andschoolaccountability.Obomanusaysherongoingserviceindicatesadedicationto advancingtheeducationalneedsofDistrict2studentsandfamilies.
District 3
☐ TammyS.Maul
TammyMaulisacandidateforSchoolBoardDistrict3withaprofessionalbackground ineducation,municipalaffairs,andcongressionaloperations.Sheemphasizestheneed forleadershipstabilityinthedistrict,referencingtheturnoverof17superintendentsin recentyears.Mauldescribesherselfas“anti-yes”and“pro-analytics,”suggestinga data-informed,principledapproachtodecision-making.Shesupportslong-term planning,increasedacademicaccountability,andconsistentleadershiptorestore confidenceintheschoolsystem Hercampaignreflectsafocusonstrategicproblemsolvingandeducationalexcellence.
☐ KimeshaAlvarado
KimeshaAlvaradoisacandidateforDistrict3withastrongpersonalinvestmentin Selma’sschoolsasbothaparentandacommunityleader Sheadvocatesforstronger advocacyforchildrenandstaffwithinthesystem.Alvaradoemphasizestheimportance ofbridgingthegapbetweenschoolstaffandthebroadercommunity.Herpriorities includeensuringeverystudentreceivesaqualityeducation,improvingcommunication, andcreatingmoreinclusiveenvironments Shebringsacommunity-focused,childcenteredvisiontohercampaign.
District 4
☐ TanyaS.Miles(Incumbent)
TanyaMilesistheincumbentforSchoolBoardDistrict4,bringing31yearsof experienceintheSelmaCitySchoolSystem.Shehighlightsnotableacademicgains, includingthat90%ofthird-gradestudentsarenowreadingongradelevel.Miles’s platformemphasizesschoolsafety,academicprogress,andaddressingexternal challengesthatimpactschoolenvironments.Sheadvocatesforsustaining improvementsandsupportingbothstudentsandeducators.Shesayshertenurereflectslongstandingdedicationandfamiliaritywiththedistrict’seducationalchallengesand successes.
☐ BrittneyS.Houser
BrittneyHouserisabusinessownerandcandidateforDistrict4,bringingskillsin leadership,problem-solving,andinnovation.Sheiscommittedtoastudent-focused, transparentboardcultureandenvisionsschoolsthatignitepurposeandpromise. Houseraimstorestorepublictrustbyencouragingcollaborationamongparents, educators,andstudents Herplatformincludesexpandingleadershipandlifeskills programs,supportingteachers,andimprovingaccesstoacademicresources.She seekstoinspireconfidenceinthedistrict’spotentialthroughresponsiveandcourageous governance.
☐ DexterW.Patterson
DexterPatterson,pastor,retiredpublicschoolteacher,andveteran,isacandidatefor District4withexperienceincommunityservice.Hepreviouslyservedasacoach, providingmentorshiptostudents.Patterson’sbackgroundincludesworkingwithin schoolenvironmentsandinrolesthatsupportyouthdevelopment.Hismilitaryservice reflectsadiscipline-orientedapproachtoleadership.Patterson’scampaignhighlightsa commitmenttoeducationalimprovement,communityengagement,andexpanding opportunitiesforstudentsuccess.
Special thanks to the volunteers who have contributed to this guide: Nana Boahen, Sawaski Jackson, and Revs. Theresa Brown, and Channie Chapman 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.
Helpful contacts:
Secretary of State
AlabamaState Capitol Building - Suite S-105 600 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7200
Board of Registers
Dallas County 334 874 2534
105 Lauderdale St Rm 122
Selma, Alabama 36701
Selma City Clerk’s Office
Location
222 Broad Street
Selma, AL 36701 (334) 876-1206
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 450
Selma, AL 36702
Phone (334)876-1206
Alabama Election Protection Network
1-844-458-6837
National Election Protection Hotlines
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)