At 1K Women Strong and the 1000 Women Strong Education Fund, we believe in the power of informed voters to shape the future of our communities, not just in presidential elections, but in the local decisions that impact our daily lives.
This nonpartisan voter guide was created to help you get to know the candidates running for office in Tuskegee. From mayor to city council, these local leaders will help shape the city’s direction on issues such as infrastructure, safety, youth programs, and economic development.
We are not endorsing any candidates in this guide. Instead, we’re offering space for their voices and ideas, so you can decide who best represents your values and your vision for Tuskegee.
Thank you for showing up, for caring, and for leading with your vote.
In
power and purpose, Executive Director, 1000 Women Strong
National Organizing Director, 1000 Women Strong
Shakya Cherry-Donaldson Tania Johns
Your Guide to Your Election
We believe informed voters in Tuskegee help shape Alabama’s future. Whether at the ballot box or in our neighborhoods, we show up, speak out, and organize for what matters. Our stories, leadership, and votes are building a stronger, more inclusive Alabama, one decision at a time.
This nonpartisan guide gives you the tools to make informed choices. Inside are candidate bios and key voting info to help you decide who best represents you and your community. When we lead with clarity and purpose, Alabama moves forward!
Important Dates
Last day to register to vote
Last day to vote absentee in person
to hand-deliver an absentee ballot
Day
Election
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.
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's 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
3
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 town hall
Visit candidates’ websites or social media pages.
Read the Council meeting minutes to check voting records. Look into their campaign financing at fcpa.alabamavotes.gov
Step 3: Make a 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 most significant 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's 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.
What if my ID doesn’t
reflect
how I look now?
Voters whose appearance, name, or gender expression has changed, including transgender voters, still have the right to vote in Alabama. Your ID does not need to reflect your gender identity As long as the name and photo on your ID reasonably match what’s on file, you can cast a regular ballot If a poll worker challenges your eligibility, stay calm and ask for a provisional ballot. You can also call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for help
“What disability accommodations might 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 205348-0123.
Understanding Tuskegee’s City Government
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. Both 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 & 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.
LIST OF CONFIRMED CANDIDATES FOR THE AUGUST 26, 2025 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Aubrey Anderson
Lawrence “Tony” Haygood
Frank “Chris” Lee
Cornelius D Smith
MAYOR
Kelvin Stephens
Johnny “Mayor” Ford
Bernice L. Frazier
Lenora A. Goode
Lateefah Muhammad
Orlando Whitehead
James A.R. Arrington
Joshua A Lewis
Umberto L Brownlee
Harvey Mattox
Candidates for Mayor
We DO NOT endorse candidates.
☐ Aubrey Anderson
Aubrey Anderson is a lifelong resident of Tuskegee and a candidate for mayor His platform highlights the need to strengthen education and workforce development, support small businesses, and improve public safety Anderson emphasizes collaboration among local institutions, including Tuskegee University, to address long-standing community needs. He proposes expanding access to adult education and digital training programs, improving city services through technology upgrades, and supporting economic development by streamlining operations and investing in infrastructure. His priorities also include increasing access to healthcare, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating opportunities for residents and youth. Anderson describes his approach as focused on inclusion, accountability, and partnerships that help move Tuskegee forward.
☐ Lawrence “Tony” Haygood* (incumbent)
Mayor Lawrence “Tony” Haygood is seeking a third term as mayor of Tuskegee. He holds a degree in Political Science from Rhodes College, an MBA from Auburn University at Montgomery, and economic development training from Purdue and Auburn universities. Before entering public office, he served as president of Southern Community College and later worked with Tuskegee University and the Tuskegee-Macon County Community Development Corporation. First elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, Haygood is the first mayor in two decades to serve backto-back terms. Under his leadership, the city has pursued infrastructure upgrades, broadband expansion, and new employers. His priorities include financial management, youth programs, improved services, and partnerships that support housing and long-term growth.
Candidates for Mayor
We DO NOT endorse candidates.
☐ Frank “Chris” Lee
Frank “Chris” Lee is a lifelong Tuskegee resident and current City Council member with more than a decade of service, including time as Mayor Pro Tem. He holds degrees from Hampton University and Faulkner University’s law school, with early experience advocating for HBCUs at the federal level. On the council, he supported reinstating the Parks and Recreation Department and has collaborated with local youth programs and community organizations As a mayoral candidate, Lee identifies his top priorities as small business growth, infrastructure repair, and neighborhood revitalization He supports modernizing city operations, expanding internet access, and improving public safety and youth services Lee emphasizes collaboration, communication, and equitable access to resources to help Tuskegee grow stronger for residents, families, and students
☐ Cornelius Smith
Cornelius Smith is a Tuskegee native, U.S. Army veteran, and business consultant with a degree in Business Administration. He has worked with the Alabama Employment Service and the state’s Unemployment Call Center to support residents seeking jobs. Smith later founded the Tuskegee Investment Group (TIGER), which focuses on local economic development, tourism, and job creation. As a candidate for mayor, his priorities include attracting investors, improving infrastructure, and developing more community spaces. He also supports expanding internet access, launching a youth mentorship program called “1st to College,” and creating a local arts and technology center. Smith emphasizes the importance of improving collaboration between the city and Tuskegee University to strengthen public safety and long-term development
Candidates for City Council
We DO NOT endorse candidates.
☐Kelvin Stephens District 1
Kelvin Stephens is a lifelong resident of Tuskegee and a computer repair technician who serves clients across Macon County and surrounding areas. He has held leadership roles with the Tuskegee-Macon County chapter of the NAACP and previously served as secretary of the Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce. As a candidate for City Council District 1, Stephens says he aims to learn more about existing city policies and plans before proposing new initiatives. He notes that residents often raise concerns about road conditions and infrastructure. Stephens believes respectful dialogue and collaboration between leaders and citizens are essential to improving services. His goal is to help rebuild and strengthen Tuskegee while encouraging greater community involvement.
We DO NOT endorse candidates.
District 2
☐ Bernice L. Frazier
Bernice L. Frazier is a longtime Tuskegee resident and candidate for City Council in District 2. Her priorities include improving road conditions, addressing blight, expanding youth and senior services, and increasing access to broadband and cell service. She supports efforts to attract new businesses by upgrading infrastructure, streamlining permitting, and fostering partnerships with organizations like Tuskegee University. Frazier plans to pursue state and federal funding for broadband expansion and work with providers to improve local service. She emphasizes transparency and accessibility through regular community meetings. Her community involvement includes service through her church pantry, her sorority, and programs that support widows and children.
☐ Johnny Ford *(incumbent)
Johnny Ford is the current District 2 councilmember and a former six-term mayor of Tuskegee. Over the course of his public service career, he has held leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. Ford is a founding member of the World Conference of Mayors and has been active in initiatives promoting economic development and cultural exchange. He is known for his decades-long involvement in Tuskegee civic life and for building partnerships across government and community sectors. Ford continues to focus on city priorities such as infrastructure improvements, business growth, and preserving Tuskegee’s historical legacy. He is seeking to remain in public office to support continued progress for the community.
We DO NOT endorse candidates.
District 3
Lenora Goode
Lenora Goode has chaired the Keep Alabama/Tuskegee Beautiful Committee since 2007 and helped lead initiatives such as park clean-ups, Family Fun Day, and Mardi Gras events She is running for City Council to expand beautification efforts, strengthen communication between city departments and residents, and promote updated ordinances and code enforcement. Goode’s priorities include clearer standards for city staff, stronger human resources policies, and greater transparency through public town halls and surveys. She supports efforts to grow Tuskegee’s economy by offering land incentives, reactivating public Wi-Fi in key areas, and providing customer service training. She also emphasizes retaining and supporting existing businesses as part of broader job creation efforts.
Lateefah Muhammed
Lateefah Muhammad is a longtime attorney based in Tuskegee and a native of Macon County’s Armstrong community. A graduate of Tuskegee University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law, she previously served on Tuskegee’s City Council from 1996 to 2000. Muhammad is running again to support economic growth, community engagement, and local infrastructure. Her priorities include improving streets, expanding recreational opportunities, and enhancing internet access and emergency services. She also supports hiring more city personnel, strengthening customer service training, and securing grants and philanthropic support to address city needs. Muhammad advocates for inclusive planning and giving residents a stronger voice in city development.
We DO NOT endorse candidates.
District 3
☐ Orlando Whitehead *(incumbent)
Orlando Whitehead is a Tuskegee native and graduate of Tuskegee University with a degree in Business Administration. He also holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Kennesaw State University and is a retired Major from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. Whitehead has served as City Council representative for District 3 for the past five years. During his tenure, he has prioritized street paving, building abatement, and infrastructure upgrades. He supports continued investment in economic development, job creation, and improved broadband and cellular access. Whitehead emphasizes collaborative leadership, transparency, and maintaining a steady focus on the needs and priorities of District 3 residents.
We DO NOT endorse candidates.
District 4
☐ James Arrington
James A. R. Arrington is a lifelong resident of District 4 and Executive Director of the Southeast Alabama Sickle Cell Association. He holds a Bachelor’s in Marketing from Tuskegee University and a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration from LSU. He also serves as Deputy Coroner for Macon County. Arrington is running for City Council to improve infrastructure, code enforcement, and community beautification He has operated a local food pantry since 2020 that regularly serves over 100 families. If elected, he plans to hold quarterly district meetings, install suggestion boxes, and support business development aligned with Tuskegee’s needs and priorities
☐Joshua Lewis
Joshua Lewis is a pastor, father of six, and longtime advocate for human rights. He and his family relocated to Tuskegee from Auburn over three years ago. A graduate of St. Augustine’s College, he has held leadership roles with several advocacy organizations, including the Lee County NAACP and The Carbon Academy. He currently pastors Light City Church and collaborates with nonprofits such as The FIFTY Fund and ACROSS Alabama. Lewis is running for City Council to address infrastructure, support housing and small business development, and promote public safety strategies focused on youth engagement and job readiness. He emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
We DO NOT endorse candidates.
District 5
☐ Umberto Brownlee
Umberto Brownlee is a fourth-generation Tuskegeean with more than 30 years of experience as a local business owner and community advocate. His professional background includes work in counseling, teaching, construction, and real estate. Brownlee is running for City Council to support growth and revitalization, particularly in District 5’s downtown corridor. He prioritizes cleaner streets, safer neighborhoods, and expanded opportunities for small businesses. His approach focuses on fostering partnerships, increasing transparency, and crafting inclusive policies that reflect community pride and shared responsibility. Brownlee aims to help prepare the next generation of leaders and ensure a thriving future for Tuskegee residents.
☐ Harvey Mattox
Harvey Mattox is a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and former National Park Service official, where he managed infrastructure rehabilitation projects across the Southeast, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He holds a Biology degree from Prairie View A&M University and a master’s in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University. With over 40 years of public service experience, Mattox is running for City Council in District 5. His platform includes revitalizing downtown, repairing aging buildings, and expanding recreational opportunities for all ages. Mattox emphasizes accountability, collaborative problem-solving, and strengthening communication between residents and city leadership to help Tuskegee grow
Get Involved in Tuskegee
Whether you’re new to the city or a lifelong resident, there are many ways to shape Tuskegee’s future. Your voice, your time, and your skills all matter.
Attend City Council Meetings
Tuskegee City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.
Meetings are open to the public.
To speak at a meeting, you may need to sign up in advance call City Hall to learn more.
Join a Local Board or Committee
Tuskegee has advisory boards and committees that need community input
Areas include beautification, youth programming, housing, and more.
You can contact City Hall to find current openings.
Support Local Initiatives
Volunteer with your neighborhood association, a local nonprofit, or a school.
Join clean-up days, food drives, youth mentoring programs, or community events
Help uplift and beautify Tuskegee together
Stay Informed Between Elections
Follow city announcements, council decisions, and local developments.
Ask questions. Read the agenda. Watch the livestream.
Being informed is one of the most powerful ways to lead.
Your Voting Plan
Go to myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview to check your registration status, your polling location, and your districts. Then fill out this voting plan. Planning ahead increases the likelihood you’ll vote!
Voter Qualifications
Am I registered at my current address and under my current name?
YES NO YES NO
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 and Election Day
Voting Plan
Absentee Voting
See alabamavotes gov for criteria and instructions
Do I want to vote absentee?
YES NO
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
Get a ride with a friend
Contact a group offering rides
I will vote:
In the morning
At lunchtime
In the afternoon
In the evening
Polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm.
About 1000 Women Strong
1000 Women Strong is a national, nonpartisan movement of Black women organizing to build political power and make lasting change in our communities. From rural towns to big cities, we show up at the doors, in the streets, and at the ballot box to make sure our voices are heard and our priorities are met
In Alabama and across the South, we’re advocating for:
Affordable housing and healthcare
Good jobs and strong schools
Environmental justice and reproductive rights
We believe that when Black women lead, communities thrive. That’s why we invest in voter education; candidate guides like this one, and year-round organizing to ensure every voter has the tools to make informed decisions
To learn more: Follow us at @1kwomenstrong on all social media channels or visit 1kwomenstrong.com.
Editors: The 1000 Women Strong Team & Summer Fellows
Thank you to the nonprofits, businesses, neighborhood associations, faith groups, libraries, and individuals who help distribute our guide!
To request more guides for your community, visit:
https://bit.ly/TuskegeeVotersGuide
Helpful contacts:
Secretary of State
State Capitol Building - Suite S-105 600 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7200
Alabama
Board of Registrars
Macon County 210 N. Elm Street Tuskegee, AL 36083 334-724-2617
Location
Tuskegee City Clerk’s Office Phone 334-720-0537
101 Fonville Street Tuskegee, AL 36083
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)
