GBM 2024 JEFFCO General Election Guide FINAL

NON-PARTISAN

Election Guide General Election November 5, 2024

Statewide and Jefferson County Races

Dear Reader, At Greater Birmingham Ministries, we seek to serve people, build community, and pursue justice. We offer direct services and organize our community to change systems.

Read this guide, mark your choices, and take it to the polls.

We offer you this Election Guide as a useful, non-partisan tool. We do not endorse any candidate or political party. We aim to provide balanced information so you can decide who to vote for and prepare to vote.

I want to call your attention to some features of the guide: Pg. 3 provides information about voting rights after a felony conviction.

On pg. 4, follow the flowchart for steps you can take to prepare to vote.

Starting on pg. 8, find info about the candidates on your ballot.

Please keep in mind these very important dates: Last day to register to vote

October 21, 2024

Last day to vote absentee in person

October 31, 2024

Deadline to hand deliver an absentee ballot General Election Day

November 4, 2024, close of business November 5, 2024

At the polls, remember that you have the right to: cast your vote if you’re in line when the polls close. Stay in line until you vote. ask for a new ballot if you make a mistake on yours. vote by provisional ballot if your voter registration or eligibility is unclear. vote free from intimidation at the polls. Voter intimidation is illegal. Report any intimidation to poll workers and document the incident and report it to local election administrators such as the Municipal Clerk, the County Board of Registrar, and the County District Attorney. receive assistance and accommodations for your disability. bring a friend or an interpreter with you to help you vote.

Thank you for participating in our democracy.

Scott Douglas Executive Director, Greater Birmingham Ministries

2

Voting Absentee People who meet certain criteria can use our absentee system to vote by mail or vote in person before Election Day. For more information, visit alabamavotes.gov or contact your Absentee Election Manager (contact info on pg. 39).

“I have a felony conviction. Can I vote?”

Most felony convictions (felony drug convictions, for example) DO NOT prevent you from registering to vote in Alabama. For most of the felony convictions that disqualify you from voting, there is a process for restoring your voting rights so you can register. Have you completed your sentence including probation, parole, or community supervision? Have you paid all fines, fees, or restitution on the disqualifying convictions? If the answer is “yes,” you can apply to have your voting rights restored.

GBM will help you determine your voting eligibility and walk you through the process of registering or restoring your right to vote. Contact us at 1–866–222–8683 or gbmvotes@gbm.org. You can also visit return-myvote.com for more information and to request a free consultation.

“I am trans. How do I avoid issues while voting?”

Know that you have rights. If the legal sex 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 status 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 legal sex on your state-issued ID. Keep things up-to-date. Update your registration if you change your legal name, legal sex, 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 the National Trans Voter Protection hotline at 239–946–2718.

For more resources and support for trans people, reach out to TAKE Birmingham at takebhm.org or 205–848–5849.

3

3

2

Yes

Do you have a previous felony conviction you believe disqualifies you?

You may still be eligible!

See pg. 3 for more information about voting after a felony conviction.

Regardless, you can still be involved—see Step 6.

Are you a US Citizen?

You’re eligible!

Make a plan for how you will vote!

Polling location: ____________________________________

Check your registration status and polling location at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview. While you’re there, use the drop down “Districts” menu to see your voting districts (you’ll need them in step 4).

Register to vote!

If you have a valid Alabama’s Driver’s License, or Non-Driver’s License, you can register online at sos.alabama.gov.

Paper forms are available at the Board of Registrar’s office (call 205.325.5505 or visit them at the Jefferson County Courthouse).

However, you can still be involved.

Skip to Step 6.

You are not eligible.

Yes

No

Check your eligibility to vote! Will you be at least 18 years old on Election Day?

No

s Ye

1

Preparing for Election Day

No

4

5

Person 3:____________________

Person 2:____________________

Person 1:____________________

Decide what friends or family members you can encourage to vote or take with you to the polls:

Use the buddy system!

Decide what time you’ll vote.

(Polls are open 7 am to 7 pm) .Morning Lunchtime Evening

Continue to Step 4 on the next page...

Visit alabamavotes.gov.

You may vote by mail or vote in person before Election Day if you meet certain criteria.

Get a free Alabama Voter ID through the Board of Registrars (205.325.5550) or the Secretary of State (334.242.7200).

• Driver’s license or non-driver ID • Alabama Photo Voter ID Card • US Passport • Government Employee ID • Student or Employee ID from a public or private college or university in the state of Alabama (or a state institution of higher ed in another state).

• Valid Military ID • Valid Tribal ID

If you need to request a free ride, reach out to the Poor People’s Campaign at 205.677.6107 or alabama@poorpeoplescampaign.org.

Decide if you will vote absentee.

Remember your photo ID. To vote you need a valid governmentissued ID. This could be:

Make arrangements for transportation. Will you:

6

5

4 If you did not do so in Step 3, look up your polling station at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview and make note of your districts.

Congressional District:________State Board of Ed District:___________ County School Board:_________Jefferson County Division:_________

Do your own research about the candidates.

Use this Election Guide to learn about the amendments and candidates starting on pg. 8.

What does this office have control over?

What issues are important to you in their area of influence?

Research the office.

Check out their voting record.

Use other resources to compare candidate’s platforms with their voting records.

Look up the candidate’s website and social media or request materials. Where do they stand on issues that are important to you? How do different candidates compare to each other?

Check out the candidate’s platform.

Look up your sample ballot, found on alabamavotes.gov.

Find your county. Some races on the sample ballot are state or county-wide; use the district information you wrote down above to check which district races apply to you.

Learn more about what will appear on your ballot.

7

6

Look into Campaign Finance.

If you want to dig even deeper and look into where each candidate gets their funding, that information is readily available on the Alabama Electronic Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA) Reporting System website. Information on campaign contribution limits are also available. Consider the number, the sizes, and the sources of the contributors.

Ask questions like: How have they voted on related issues important to me? How does their record differ from their stated platform?

If the candidate has held a previous legislative office, ballotpedia.org and GovTrack.us are good resources to use. If the candidate held a state legislative office, you can use legislature.state.al.us.

Contact info@gbm.org or 205.326.6821 to see how you can partner with us in our Systems Change work.

Volunteer with Greater Birmingham Ministries!

Decide how to vote. Mark up your sample ballot or this guide and bring it with you to vote. You can vote for candidates of any party, no matter how you voted in the primary.

Beware of false information and false political ads!

A lot of websites aim to spread false information, and political ads don’t have to be true to be shared, so exercise caution and skepticism. Consider whether the source is reputable and see what other news outlets are saying about the same topic.

Attend candidate forums or townhalls.

Candidate forums can be a great way to get to know your candidates. Come prepared with questions you’d like to ask.

Statewide Ballot Measures Amendment 1:

This amendment would transfer ownership of certain properties located in Fayette County and Walker County from the Franklin County School System to the Franklin County Board of Education. Some of these properties are designated as sixteenth section land and some are indemnity land, meaning they are dedicated to supporting and maintaining public schools. If the amendment is approved, any money earned from the lease or sale of the lands or its natural resources would go to the Franklin County Board of Education.

GBM’s Recommendation: If you do not live or own property in Franklin, Fayette, or Walker County, leave this amendment blank.

I will be voting: ☐ Yes ☐ No

Offices and Candidates

We are a 501(c)3 organization and do not endorse any candidates.

President and Vice President of the United States The President is the head of state and the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Presidents implement and enforce laws written by Congress, and they have the power to sign legislation into law or veto bills (although Congress may override a veto). They appoint the heads of federal agencies, including their Cabinet. They conduct diplomacy with other countries and can negotiate and sign treaties, which must be ratified by the Senate. The President can also make executive orders and give pardons and clemencies.

The Vice-President is elected together with the President and is the first in line to become President if the President becomes unable to serve due to death, resignation, or temporary incapacitation. The VP is President of the United States Senate and casts the deciding vote in the case of a tie but rarely actually presides over the Senate. The VP is a principal advisor to the President and might take on a specific policy portfolio.

8

☐ Kamala D. Harris and Tim Walz, D Kamala Harris earned her B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Howard University and her J.D. from the University of California College of Law. She became a District Attorney in 2004 and was the first Black woman to serve as California's Attorney General. In her legal career and her political campaigns for Senate Harris was known for being tough on crime and progressive in her legislation. She protected same-sex marriage rights in California in 2013, and she ran on increased immigration and criminal reforms, the protection of women's reproductive rights, and raising the minimum wage. Harris took office as U.S. Senator in 2017. She ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, dropped out of the race, and became Joe Biden's pick for his Vice President. During her time as VP, and now as she has picked up Joe Biden’s 2024 Presidential campaign, she is running on addressing border and immigration issues, protecting voting rights, and women's access to abortions.

Tim Walz served 24 years with the Army National Guard, retired as Command Sergeant Major, and is the highest-ranking soldier who has served in Congress. Walz earned a B.S. in Social Science Education from Chadron State College and was a high school teacher and football coach in Minnesota. Walz served as a Minnesota Congressman starting in 2006 and became Minnesota governor in 2018. He has campaigned on gun control, abortion access, and appropriate civil responses to COVID-19.

☐ Donald J. Trump and J.D. Vance, R Donald J. Trump has a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Trump was a businessman who owned properties around the world, and he was co-producer and host of The Apprentice, where he would judge contestants based on business skills. He served as U.S. president from 2017 to 2021. He is the only president to have been impeached twice, and he has been convicted and/or indicted for crimes in several states. As President, Trump tried to end DACA for immigrant youth and supported legislation to build more border walls. Trump’s 2024 platform includes rebuilding the United States economy, creating fair trade for the American worker, increasing the production of domestic energy sources, securing the borders, and funding law enforcement.

J.D. Vance was elected U.S. Senator representing Ohio in 2022. He served in Iraq as a member of the Marine Corps and graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Political Science and from Yale Law School with a law degree. He worked for the venture capital firm Mithril Capital and founded the nonprofit Our Ohio Renewal and the venture firm Narya. In his memoir Hillbilly Elegy he drew from his summers in Kentucky with his great-grandmother and largely blamed the decline of the region on the culture of the white working class.

9

☐ Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Nicole Shanahan, I Although Kennedy and Shanahan will appear on your ballot, they dropped out of the presidential race in August 2024. ☐ Jill Stein and Butch Ware, Green Jill Stein has an undergrad degree in social relations from Havard College and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School. She practiced internal medicine and taught at Harvard Medical School. Stein became involved in environmental pollution and health activism and coauthored a book and established a non-profit dedicated to the health of Massachusetts communities. Stein has been a presidential candidate since 2012, with a platform focused on environmental sustainability, health care reform, social and civil rights, and the intersection between environmental and physical health. Stein has campaigned for regulations on mercury content in fish in Massachusetts, coal plant clean ups and regulations, and several ballot initiatives on fossil fuel usage, and she has appeared as an environmental health expert on national news.

On Alabama's ballot, political activist Samson Kpadenou serves as a placeholder for Jill Stein's running mate Butch Ware, whose candidacy was announced in August. Butch Ware has a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota and a PhD in History from the University of Pennsylvania. Ware has worked as a professor at the University of Michigan and Northwestern University, authored two books, and pursued activism, art, and community organizing. Ware's teaching career and campaign focus on Islamic thought and religion, international anti-slavery and genocide efforts, and challenges to imperialism and ethnic cleansing across faiths and cultures.

10

☐ Chase Oliver and Mike Ter Maat, Libertarian Chase Oliver is the Libertarian candidate for President, and his campaign focuses on antiwar views, immigration, and criminal justice reform. Oliver worked in the restaurant industry, then as an account executive in international import shipping, and now as the CEO of the Libertarian Party of Metro Atlanta. Oliver seeks to limit the power of the federal government, lower the cost of living and health care, disband the Department of Education to allow families to opt out of public education entirely, and ensure gun and abortion access. In Georgia, Oliver ran for U.S. Representative in 2020 and for U.S. Senate in 2022.

Mike Ter Maat holds a bachelors in Aeronautical Engineering, an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a master's and doctorate in Science in Economics from The George Washington University. He has worked for the police force in Florida and as an economics professor, economist, and substitute teacher. He started a professional education business for bank executives, where he offered webcasting, consulting services, and conferences. Maat also worked as a commercial loan officer, as a financial economist in the White House Office of Management and Budget, and as a consulting economist to other federal and international agencies. Maat's platform includes bridging the party gap, decentralizing the federal government, ending the federal reserve system, eliminating the IRS, and limiting federal spending.

17

11

House of Representatives Each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, serve on committees, and provide services to people in their districts.

District 6 ☐ Elizabeth Anderson, D Elizabeth Anderson is from Childersburg and has a degree from UA in music. She is the CEO and co-founder of the tech firm LunarLab, LLC, in Birmingham. Anderson grew up below the poverty line and says she was grateful to receive free school lunches, public health services, SNAP benefits, and public education. She says her campaign is focused on bringing positive change to the district and advocating for policies that help everyday Alabamians. ☐ Gary Palmer, R Gary Palmer earned a B.S. in Operations Management from UA. He worked in the private sector, including in engineering construction. He founded the Alabama Family Alliance, now the Alabama Policy Institute, and served as president for 24 years. He served on several task forces under Governors James, Riley, and Bentley. He was elected U.S. Representative in 2014. He has named as important issues religious freedom; limiting the EPA from regulating greenhouse gasses; support for veterans; support for the military; reduced government spending; opposition to amnesty for undocumented immigrants; economic growth through less government oversight of developers; gun rights; tax reform; opposition to abortion; and repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

12

District 7 ☐ Terri A. Sewell, D Terri Sewell received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, a masters degree in politics from Oxford University, and a J.D. from Harvard University. She grew up in Selma. When elected in 2010, she was the first black woman to represent Alabama in the U.S. Congress. In 2005 she became a partner at Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C., working in public finance law. Sewell has named as top priorities job creation/economic development; support for veterans and reform of the VA; investment in water, energy, transportation, and internet infrastructure; affordable healthcare; support for early education, public schools, and HBCUs; historic preservation of civil rights sites; and the expansion of Social Security. ☐ Robin Litaker, R Robin Litaker holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Winthrop College, a specialist certificate in educational leadership from the University of Montevallo, and a doctorate in education from Samford University. She has been involved in the board of education and school systems in Alabama for many years. She has experience with volunteering and organizing community activities. She says she believes in transparency and accountability.

13

Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice The State Supreme Court is Alabama’s court of last resort. It has jurisdiction over decisions made by the lower courts. The Alabama Supreme Court also reviews the nation’s laws and judges whether they are allowed under the Constitution, as applicable to the state.

Each justice is elected in partisan elections every six years, and the court is managed by the Chief Justice, who acts as the head of the state's judicial branch, managing the eight associate justices. ☐ Greg Griffin, D Greg Griffin currently serves as an Alabama Circuit Court Judge. He received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College, his J.D. degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and his LL.M. degree in tax law from the Boston University School of Law. Prior to his appointment as judge, he served as the chief legal counsel for the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. ☐ Sarah Stewart, R Sarah Stewart is currently an Associate Justice on the Alabama Supreme Court, elected in 2018. She served for 13 years as a Circuit Judge in Mobile and was the first female jury trial judge in the area. She holds a J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School and a B.A. and an M.A. in Communication from the University of Arkansas.

14

Associate Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court The State Supreme Court is Alabama’s court of last resort. It has jurisdiction over decisions made by the lower courts. The Alabama Supreme Court also reviews the nation's laws and judges whether they are allowed under the Constitution, as applicable to the state.

Each justice is elected in partisan elections every six years.

Place 1 ☐ Chris McCool, R Chris McCool was elected in 2018 for a six-year term on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. Prior to his election, McCool practiced law for two years in his hometown of Gordo, worked for nearly 24 years as a prosecutor, serving as the 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney from 2001 until 2018. Judge McCool earned his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Alabama.

Place 2 ☐ Tommy Bryan, R Tommy Bryan grew up in Crenshaw County and lives in Montgomery. He received a B.S. and an M.S. in Education from Troy State University. He received a J.D. from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. Bryan has worked as a staff attorney for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and as an Assistant Attorney General. In 2004, he was elected to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. Bryan was elected to the Alabama Supreme Court in 2012 and in 2018.

Place 3 ☐ Will Sellers, R Will Sellers holds a B.A. from Hillsdale College, a J.D. from UA, and an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Alabama in 2017 and was elected to a 6-year term in 2018. A lifelong resident of Montgomery, Sellers was in private practice for 28 years in the areas of taxation, business organizations, and corporate and campaign finance. He was a member of the Electoral College in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 and served as Chairman of the Fair Ballot Commission.

15

Place 4 ☐ Jay Mitchell, R Jay Mitchell was elected to the Alabama Supreme Court in 2018. Prior, Mitchell was a litigation attorney with Maynard, Cooper & Gale (now Maynard Nexsen). Mitchell was born in Mobile and grew up in South Alabama and in Homewood. He holds a B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College, an M.A. from University College in Dublin, Ireland, and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham and serves on the board of directors at Cornerstone School, an inner city Christian school. He is also a member of the Federalist Society.

Court of Civil Appeals Judge This court has original appellate jurisdiction in all civil appeals where the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000. The court also exercises jurisdiction over appeals in workers' compensation cases and domestic relations cases, including annulment, divorce, alimony, child support, adoption, and child custody cases. There are five judges on the Court of Civil Appeals. They are elected in statewide partisan elections to six-year terms. A presiding judge is the administrative head of the court. The position is filled by the most-senior judge serving on the court. The presiding judge serves no specified term.

Place 1 ☐ Christy Edwards, R Christy Edwards grew up on a small family farm in West Alabama. Edwards has a degree in Finance and Economics from UA, a J.D. from Faulkner University, and an LL.M. in Taxation from UA School of Law. She has served as an attorney for the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, legal and policy advisor to the commissioners of the Alabama Department of Revenue, and as Assistant Attorney General. Edwards was appointed as an Associate Judge of the Alabama Tax Tribunal in 2016 and was elected to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals in November 2018. She has published in national journals regarding taxation, and she is a member of the committee on the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct and of the committee on the Alabama Canons of Judicial Ethics.

16

Place 2 ☐ Chad Hanson, R Chad Hanson has a B.A. in Political Science from UA and a J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law. Hanson entered private practice for 18 years until his election to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals in November 2018. He is a board member at Kid One Transport, a nonprofit for children and mothers in need of transportation, and he has taught at the Birmingham School of Law.

Place 3 ☐ Terry A. Moore, R Terry Moore was born in Mobile and holds a B.A. from the University of South Alabama and a J.D. from the UA School of Law. Moore practiced at the law firm Adams & Reese and specialized in workers' compensation and civil litigation. In 1998, he became a partner in the Mobile law firm of Vickers, Riis, Murray & Curran, LLC. In 2004, Moore co-founded Austill, Lewis, Pipkin & Moore, P.C., where he served as a member until his election to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals in 2006. Moore has written for legal journals, law reviews, and seminars and in 1998 published Alabama Workers' Compensation, a two-volume treatise regarded as the foremost authority on the subject and referenced in numerous appellate court cases.

17

Court of Criminal Appeals Judge The Court of Criminal Appeals can review decisions and change outcomes of the decisions of lower courts. It hears all appeals of felony and misdemeanor cases, including violations of city ordinances and all post-conviction writs in criminal cases. This is the court of last resort. A full term on the court is six years.

Place 1 ☐ Richard Minor, R Richard Minor is from Pell City and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Auburn and a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law. He was an Assistant District Attorney in Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties and an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Trials and Violent Crimes Divisions. Minor became the Chief Trial Attorney in the St. Clair County District Attorney’s Office before being elected District Attorney in 2004. In 2006, he took on the role of Special Prosecutor and Acting Attorney General for Alabama, overseeing a joint federal and state investigation into public corruption within the state's post-secondary education system.

He has served on the Executive Committee of the Alabama Republican Party and is a member of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies. He was elected to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals in 2018.

His twin brother is a District Court Judge in St. Clair County.

Place 2 ☐ Rich Anderson, R Rich Anderson has a B.A. in English from the University of Mississippi and a J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law. Anderson is an appellate prosecutor for the state. He has spent the past 15 years as an Assistant Attorney General and has represented Alabama in federal district courts, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Anderson says throughout his career, he has valued standing up for Alabama crime victims.

18

21

Place 3 ☐ Bill Cole, R Bill Cole grew up in Birmingham and has a B.A. in English and Political Science from Vanderbilt University and a J.D. from the UA School of Law. He practiced law in Birmingham at what became Luker, Cole & Associates, handling civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. He focused on criminal law in various courts, including state and federal appellate courts. He also served as a special prosecutor and municipal court judge in Morris, Alabama. In 2005, Cole was appointed as a Jefferson County Circuit Judge and was elected twice to that position. He has served on the Advisory Council for the Alabama Sentencing Commission and represented the Alabama Circuit Judges Association on the Victim Notification Implementation Task Force. In 2018, Judge Cole was elected to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. His father was Judge William H. Cole.

Public Service Commission President The Public Service Commission President is responsible for the supervision and regulation of the state’s utility (electricity, gas, water, railroad, and telecommunications) companies. The Commission’s mission is “to ensure a regulatory balance between regulated companies and consumers.” It is composed of three elected members: a President and two associate commissioners. They run statewide in partisan elections, and each serves a 4-year term. ☐ Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, R Twinkle Cavanaugh currently serves as the President of the Alabama Public Service Commission. She graduated from Auburn University. Her professional experience includes Executive Director for the Alabama Republican Party, co-owner of the Cavanaugh Bradley Animal Hospital, coowner of Conservative Solutions, and Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Bob Riley. She fights in favor of the coal industry and against many environmental initiatives.

19

State Board of Education Member The State Board of Education is composed of nine members, including the governor, who also serves as president of the board. SBOE is responsible for managing the state’s public K-12 education. The elected members’ duties are to recommend education policies and develop and implement efforts to increase graduation rates and academic proficiency. Elections to the board are staggered, with Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 holding elections in presidential election years, while Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 hold elections in midterm years.

District 3 ☐ Kelly Mooney, R Kelly Mooney holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of North Carolina. She has been an administrator and educator at Briarwood Christian School and is a Client Service Associate for OneAscent Wealth Birmingham. Her priorities are parental rights; a return to a “back to basics” curriculum; fiscal responsibility; removal of “gender ideology,” politics, and religion from school; and supporting the Choose Act while protecting traditional public schools. Her husband is State Rep. Arnold Mooney.

District 7 ☐ Allen Long, R Allen Long has a B.S. from the University of North Alabama and an M.D. from the University of South Alabama. Long is ENT certified and has been practicing medicine for 30 years. He previously served on the Board of Trustees at the University of North Alabama and at Shoals Christian School. Long prioritizes school choice, “eliminating woke ideologies from the curriculum,” opposing transgender persons' access to sports and bathrooms, assuring school libraries have age-appropriate materials, and strengthening security measures.

20

Circuit Court Judge (10th Judicial Circuit) 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.

Place 5 ☐ David Carpenter, D David Carpenter has a bachelor’s in Philosophy and Religious Studies from UA. He earned his J.D. from Mississippi School of Law and his Masters of Law at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. His previous experience includes founder of Jefferson County veterans’ court and attorney at The Carpenter Law Office. Carpenter is a current judge of the Alabama 10th Judicial Circuit Place 5. Carpenter prioritizes building up treatment courts with an emphasis on creating a Veteran’s Treatment Court in Jefferson County, prison reform, and theft and mental health courts.

Place 6 ☐ Charles "Chuck" Price, II, D Chuck Price has a Bachelor's degree in English from Morehouse College and a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law. He currently serves as a Birmingham Municipal Court Judge and has also worked in private practice as a litigation associate or shareholder at Haskell Slaughter Young & Rediker, LLC, and as a law clerk for Alabama Supreme Court Justice Bernard Harwood. Price serves the Magic City, Birmingham, and National Bar Associations and the Alabama Lawyers Association.

21 14

Place 7 ☐ Tiara Young Hudson, D Tiara Young Hudson graduated from Emory University with a degree in Spanish and attended UA School of Law, where she clerked for Judge Caryl Privett. She has served as the Deputy Chief Public Defender for Jefferson County since 2014 after moving from private practice. She is involved in programs for Huffman Middle School and Rutledge Middle School. Her priorities have included equitable treatment under law; a commitment to youth and students in the community; and endorsing criminal reform measures besides prison through wraparound services. In 2022 she won the Democratic primary for Circuit Court judge and would have been unopposed in the general election, but her judicial seat was dissolved shortly after the primary.

Place 8 ☐ Marshell Jackson Hatcher, D Marshell Jackson Hatcher was elected as Civil Court judge in 2018. Hatcher has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University and a J.D. from Birmingham School of Law. Hatcher graduated from the University of Alabama Police Academy and worked as a Deputy Sheriff with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. Hatcher worked as an attorney and then as Associate Counsel for the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District. She served as an adjunct professor for Virginia College and Miles Law School and as a Legislative Analyst with the Alabama Law Institute. Hatcher is a member of the Magic City, Birmingham, Alabama, and American Bar Associations.

Place 9 ☐ Shera Craig Grant, D Shera Craig Grant grew up in Birmingham. She holds an undergraduate degree from Alabama State University and a J.D. at Louisiana State University. Early in her legal career she worked as Chief Assistant District Attorney in DeKalb County, GA. She later went to private practice before serving as a public defender in Jefferson County, AL. In January 2016, Judge Grant was appointed District Court Judge and was elected in a general election later that year. She says she believes in servant leadership, even temperament, and fairness. She is the twin sister of District Court Judge Shanta’ Owens.

22

Place 13 ☐ Frederic A. Bolling, D Frederic Bolling was educated at Auburn University and Howard Law. Bolling has practiced for around 25 years as a full-time attorney. Bollings previous experience includes special appointed circuit judge, adjunct professor at Miles College Law School, and summer law clerk for Alabama Supreme Court and State of Alabama Attorney General’s Office. He is a member of NAACP and Omega Psi Phi and has served as a youth sports coach with various organizations. ☐ Douglas M. Roy, Jr., R Douglas Roy is a resident of Mountain Brook. He has practiced law for more than 20 years of practice at the Doug Roy Law Firm and has experience in injury, bankruptcy, and family law. He holds bachelor and master degrees from the University of Alabama and a J.D. from Samford University.

23 23

Place 15 ☐ Patricia Ann Stephens, D Patricia Ann Stephens has been a Circuit Court Judge since 2013 and worked as a private attorney from 2009 until then. Stephens also worked in the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office and for Alabama Power and Searcy Hospital as a mental health worker. Stephens is a member of the Birmingham and Magic City Bar Associations and the Birmingham Inns of Court. Stephens earned her bachelor's degree from Auburn University and her J.D. from Miles College of Law.

Place 18 ☐ Janine Hunt-Hilliard, D Janine Hunt-Hilliard earned her bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Delaware and her J.D. and M.B.A. from Howard University.

She has served as Circuit Court Judge since her election in 2019, and she is an attorney at Hunt Hilliard Law Firm. Previously, she was a part-time judicial assistant with the state Administrative Office of Courts; a managing member of the Hilliard, Hunt, and Smith Law Firm; and former general counsel to her husband U.S. Representative Earl Hilliard. HuntHilliard's campaign focuses on the underlying issues children and families in her courtroom might need addressed and an even-tempered approach to facilitating her courtroom.

Place 27 ☐ Alaric May, D Alaric May received his bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama and his J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law. He was elected Circuit Court Judge in 2018 and is running again on a platform of sentencing with the defendant's circumstances and individual case in mind. May worked for over 24 years in Alabama and Georgia on various criminal cases and served as a Special Circuit and District Court Judge for Jefferson County and as an interim judge in Birmingham, Homewood, and Adamsville. May is also a member of the Alabama, Birmingham, and Magic City Bar Associations, the Alabama Association of Circuit Judges, the Executive Committee of the YMCA, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

24

District Court Judge, Jefferson County District courts are "lower" courts that have jurisdiction over misdemeanors, small claims, criminal cases, guilty pleas and civil matters not exceeding $10,000. District courts also share jurisdiction over juvenile cases in a separate court that are concerned with juvenile delinquency, child abuse, and children in need of supervision.

These cases are heard by a judge, but no jury.

Place 3 ☐ Jacquelyn Grant-Jones, D Jacquelyn Grant-Jones has an undergraduate degree from Tuskegee University and a J.D. from Miles Law School. She is a member of the Alabama State Bar and the United States District Court for the Northern and Middle Districts of Alabama. Grant-Jones opened the Law Firm of Grant-Jones Legal in 2008. She serves as Special District Judge for the Family Court Division of Jefferson County, Daily Master for the Jefferson County Domestic Relations Court, and is a Trained Mediator in Domestic Relations and Civil Litigation.

Place 6 ☐ Tanita Cain, D Tanita Cain graduated Howard University and studied Political Science, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, and more. She completed a Master’s program at UAB and a J.D. from Miles Law School. She has over 23 years of legal experience, including four years with a Fortune 500 company focused on trucks and hydraulic equipment. She was appointed Special District Court Judge. She leads the Lawyers for Literacy Program, serves on various boards, and volunteers as a tutor for urban youth in Birmingham City Schools. Cain is dedicated to pro bono work, providing financial resources to disaster victims, free wills to the elderly, and participating in expungement clinics.

25

Place 8 ☐ Alan Summers, D Alan Summers was elected as a Family Court judge in 2007 and was reelected in 2012 and 2018. Previously, he worked as an attorney and studied business marketing at UAB. He received his law degree from Birmingham School of Law and was admitted to the bar in 1997. He practiced privately from 1997 to 2007 and is a member of the Alabama Bar Association, the Birmingham Bar Association, and the Children’s Policy Council.

Place 9

☐ Debra Weston-Pickens, D Debra Weston-Pickens holds a Bachelor's in Human Resources Management and Marketing from Birmingham-Southern College and a J.D. from Miles Law School. She has served as District Judge, as managing attorney at Weston-Pickens, LLC and as Alabama Regional Managing Counsel for a Chicago-based employment law firm. She worked at Southern Company Services/Alabama Power Company. She is a member of the Alabama State Bar Association and the Birmingham Bar Association.

She is a member of The Links Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She has also served as a board member for Focus on Recovery, Vice President of the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources board, and a member of the Coalition of 100 Black Women.

26

Place 11 ☐ Chuantae Brown, D Chuantae Brown has a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Political Science from UA. She earned her J.D. after attending Faulkner Law and UA Law School.

Brown’s previous experience includes serving as a public defender. She volunteered at One Place Birmingham, a nonprofit for women and children that are victims of domestic violence. Brown is an attorney at the Jefferson County Community Law Office. ☐ Jill Ganus Marriott, R Jill Ganus Marriott holds a B.A. in Political Science and a J.D. from UA. In 2006 she was appointed District Judge for the family court and was later elected. She lost her re-election bid in 2012. Prior, Ganus was an Assistant District Attorney in Jefferson and Tuscaloosa Counties, focusing on violent crimes. She spent a year in private practice in Bessemer. She initiated the state’s first "girls only" docket to support troubled female teens with women facilitators. Ganus also launched the Bessemer Fatherhood Initiative Program and established the first Bessemer Teen Court, aimed at diverting first-time non-violent offenders.

Place 12 ☐ Stephanie A. Hunter, D Stephanie Hunter has a J.D. from Miles Law School and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Virginia College. She served as a Special Circuit and District Court Judge in Jefferson County Family Court and ran for District Court Judge, Place 3 in 2018. Currently, she is a Senior Trial Referee for Birmingham Family Court and an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the National Center for Dispute Settlement. She worked as an attorney, mediator, and arbitrator at Hunter Law Firm, P.C. She has been a board member and Jamaica Committee chair for Birmingham Sister Cities, a treasurer of the Lawrence Mond Jefferson Scholarship Foundation, and a mentor for students and young lawyers.

27

Circuit Clerk, Jefferson County The Jefferson County Circuit Clerk of Courts takes on distributing and maintaining legal files, processing court summons, setting court dates, child support filings, court fines, restitution payments, and switchboard information services.

Birmingham Division ☐ Jackie Anderson-Smith, D Jackie Anderson-Smith has a Bachelor’s from UAB, as well as eight fouryear Master’s Level Certificates from the Alabama Association of School Board Academy. She taught in the Birmingham Public School System before working as a Principal Human Resources Planner at Jefferson County Government. Smith was the first and only African American elected to the Jefferson County Board of Education and was elected in 2018 as Circuit Clerk of the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Smith is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alamerica Bank. During her time as Circuit Clerk, Smith opened two new passport offices, provided Saturday voting, allowed credit cards to be accepted for fees, and opened a traffic court cashier station.

Bessemer Division ☐ Karen Dunn Burks, D Karen Dunn Burks was elected Deputy Circuit Clerk, Bessemer Division, in 2012 and in 2018. She has also served as assistant in the Jefferson County Tax Assessor’s office. Burks is the daughter of former Alabama State Senator Priscilla Dunn and former Jefferson County Assistant Tax Collector (Bessemer) Grover Dunn. ☐ Camilo Fuller, R Camilo Fuller resides in Bessemer, graduated from Jess Lanier High School, and has an Associate degree in Computer Technology from the Herzing Institute. His professional experience has been as a Transportation Supervisor with Bessemer City Schools and as a senior pastor with Love Conquers All Assembly of Christ.

28

Judge of Probate, Jefferson County The responsibilities for Probate Judges vary from county to county but may include overseeing name changes, adoptions, eminent domain, guardianship/conservatorship, and estate cases. They also manage public records like deeds and mortgages and act as the Chief Election Officer of their respective county. Probate Judges supervise the recordination of marriage certificates and the appointing of public notaries.

Place 1 ☐ Yashiba (Red) Blanchard, D Yashiba Blanchard has an AAS from Jefferson State Community College, a Political Science degree from UAB, a master’s in Public Administration, and a J.D. from Birmingham School of Law. Blanchard has worked for the Jefferson County Commission and as a college professor. She has served as a Special Circuit Court Judge and Special District Court Judge in Birmingham and Bessemer and practices law at Glenn, Blanchard, and Associates, P.C. Blanchard prioritizes educating citizens on their right to vote, establishing systems for reliable elections, and maintaining the integrity of the election process. ☐ John Amari, R John Amari is a partner in the law firm Amari and Gray. He received his B.A. from Auburn University and J.D. from Birmingham School of Law. Amari has served as President of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce and as President of the Trussville City Schools Foundation. Amari served as the Chair of the Election Integrity Committee through the Jefferson County Republican Party and says keeping a fair voting system is important to him.

29

Place 1 ☐ Jameria Johnson Moore, D Jameria Johnson Moore studied Civil Engineering at Alabama A&M University, has an MBA from UA, and a J.D. from Birmingham School of Law. She is a member of the Alabama, the Birmingham, and Magic City Bar Associations and the Alabama Lawyers Association. Moore is a founding partner of Sperling and Moore, P.C. She serves as a Municipal Judge for the City of Birmingham and a Special District Court Judge in Family Court.

Moore states that she is “determined to be a judge the people of Jefferson County can rely on to listen to their cases and provide impartial, fair and lawful rulings.” ☐ Joel Ray Blankenship, R Joel Ray Blankenship has a B.A. from Samford and a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford, where he served on the American Journal of Trial Advocacy and as a director on the trial advocacy board. Blankenship works as a real-estate attorney with the Blankenship Law Firm and was formerly legal counsel for the Alabama Football Coaches Association. He ran for Jefferson County Tax Assessor in 2014.

Treasurer, Jefferson County The Jefferson County Treasurer invests tax dollars into government backed securities and/or the United States Treasury. A treasurer’s primary responsibility is to maintain safety, liquidity, and a market rate of return on the county’s funds. This office is responsible for paying the county’s vendors and employees. ☐ Angela Webb Weinberg, D Angela Webb Weinberg was raised in Bessemer and currently lives in Birmingham. She received her B.A. in Political Science and Marketing from UAB. She promises to maintain accurate records, be accessible to the public, and develop new financial partnerships.

30

Deputy Treasurer, Jefferson County, Bessemer Division The Jefferson County Deputy Treasurer assists the Treasurer in the daily duties, including supervising over investments, verifying financial risks, and presenting financial reports. ☐ Sherry McClain, D Sherry McClain attended Jefferson State Community College and holds a B.A. in Accounting from UAB. Since then she has worked in the accounting field. She has served as Deputy Treasurer since 2013 and was Director of Community Affairs for the Jefferson County Commission. She has been a member of Alabama Democratic Executive Committee, Jefferson County Federation of Democratic Women, Jefferson County Democratic Conference, Alabama New South Coalition, and Jefferson County New Citizen’s Coalition. ☐ Delor Baumann, R Delor Baumann grew up in Hueytown and studied Biology and Criminal Justice at UAB. He was Mayor of Hueytown from 2004 to 2016. He has been president of Jefferson County Mayors Association and served on the Committee for the Northern Beltway I-959, Regional Planning Commission Board for Jefferson County, Jefferson County EMA Board, and the Industrial Development Board of Hueytown. He ran for Jefferson County Assistant Tax Collector in 2020.

31

Assistant Tax Collector, Jefferson County, Bessemer Division The Assistant Tax Collector assists the Tax Collector in the daily duties.

The job is a combination of administrative assistance and accounting support. ☐ Ron Marshall, D Ron Marshall served several terms on the Bessemer City Council, where he was involved in the construction of a new City Hall and a new Recreation Center and in attracting new businesses to the city. He is self-employed in the broadcast industry after spending more than 30 years in managerial positions in the banking and telecommunications industries. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from UA. ☐ Johnny Curry, R Johnny Curry was appointed to the office of Assistant Tax Collector in 2023. Curry was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1986 and served four terms until retiring from the position in 2002. During his legislative career, he served eight years on the Ways and Means Committee that set tax policy and wrote the state budgets.

32 10

Jefferson County Board of Education Member The Jefferson County Board of Education is the policy making body for all schools within the district, with all powers given by the Alabama state law. The board takes on district educational planning and assessments, staff quality control, school facilities, financial regulations, and communication efforts across the district. The board acts as a court of sorts for staff and students members under evaluation, and also takes up hearings on district and school policies.

The board of education has five members (that serve on a volunteer basis) and are elected every four years, while elections are held on alternating two year terms.

District 1 ☐ Walter Curry, D Walter Curry currently serves as the Director of Operations and Technology for Fairfield City Schools and has held previous roles as Acting Superintendent and Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation for the district. ☐ Phillip Brown, R Phillip Brown holds a B.A. from Faulkner University and a Level III Technical Education Certification with advanced educational training from Athens State University. He is a retired teacher from the Jefferson County School System, where he taught Automotive Technology at Minor High School and Shades Valley High for a combined 22 years.

District 2 ☐ Sultana Godwin, D Sultana Godwin holds a nursing degree from Lawson State Community College and a Bachelor’s of Nursing from University of Alabama in Huntsville and is a Registered Nurse with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. On her campaign Facebook page, Godwin shares information about Jefferson County Schools and encourages everyone to get more involved in education. ☐ Robert “Glenn” Durough, R Glenn Durough lives in McCalla. Our research could confirm no additional information on this candidate.

33

Constable A constable is an elected law enforcement officer that has the typical duties of a police officer, including making arrests and traffic stops. In addition, a constable can escort weddings and funerals, enforce traffic, provide security at events, and serve papers in civil affairs.

There are only two “peace officers” who are elected. The sheriff is elected by the county, and the constable is elected by the citizens of the state house district. They are not funded from general tax revenues, but rather, constables' fees are paid by the individuals they arrest.

District 15 ☐ Rod Honeycutt, R Rod Honeycutt was elected constable in 2020. Our research found no additional information on this candidate.

District 16 ☐ Joe Williams, R Joe Williams has served as Constable since 2017. He previously served as the Deputy Constable for the State of Alabama. He is the owner of Tiger Rock Martial Arts, the Vice President of Metro Security Force, and the President of Alabama Protective Services.

34

District 44 ☐ Stephen A. Moseley, R Stephen A. Moseley was elected Constable in 2020. Our research found no additional information on this candidate.

District 45 ☐ Tim Anders, Sr., R Tim Anders is running for reelection as Constable and currently works as a test driver at Walmart. Tim is from Bessemer and resides in Birmingham.

District 46 ☐ Keith Hall, R Keith Hall owns Keith Hall Properties and is the Chairman of the Board of the Jefferson County Housing Committee. Hall served as the Jefferson County Constable in 1988 as the youngest person to date to serve in the position and also served on the Leeds City Council.

District 47 ☐ Gilbert Douglas, III, R Gilbert Douglas, III, R has lived in Jefferson County his entire life and was first elected Constable in 1980. He graduated from Samford University and retired from the U.S. Navy as a Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman. Gilbert believes “it is imperative that the constable be as courteous as possible, while performing his/her duty as a court official.” He strives “to continue serving the citizenry in a proper and professional manner according to the law.”

35

District 48 ☐ Robert De Buys, R Robert De Buys is from Mountain Brook and received his bachelor's degree from UAB. He is a small business owner.

District 51 ☐ Andre Glenn Bennett, D Our research could not confirm information on this candidate. ☐ Ronnie Dixon, R Ronnie Dixon is the current Constable for District 51. He also serves as a member of the Jefferson County Board of Education. He took up civil service after three decades working in the telecommunications industry.

District 52 ☐ Richmond F. Williams, D Richmond Williams has a Master’s degree from Alabama A&M and is a member of Omega Psi Phi. He uses the nickname “Coach Rick” and has been a teacher, referee, truancy officer, and bailiff.

36

District 54 ☐ Jeremy D. Howard, D Richmond Williams has a Master’s degree from Alabama A&M and is a member of Omega Psi Phi. He uses the nickname “Coach Rick” and has been a teacher, referee, truancy officer, and bailiff. ☐ Robert Colvert, III, I Robert Colvert previously served as Deputy Constable in District 48. In May 2019, he received an Outstanding Service Award for helping a driver who had a seizure, and he was promoted to lieutenant of that district. He was also recognized on the Constable’s Facebook page for recovering a stolen car.

District 55 ☐ Joshua Joseph Raby, D Joshua Raby has served as an Associate Minister at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and is a motivational speaker. Raby graduated from the Alabama Organizing Project's Grassroots Leadership Development Program. He is Chairman of the Democratic Disability Council of Alabama, Chaplain of the Jefferson County Young Democrats, and State Coordinator for Black Youth Vote. ☐ Ken Gray, Sr., R Ken Gray was elected constable in 2020. On his personal Facebook page, he often posts in support of law enforcement.

37 31 47

District 56 ☐ Cheryl Hamilton Long, D Cheryl Long was born and raised in Bessemer. She is the owner of Cheryl’s Creations, which has been in operation for 20 years.

District 57 ☐ Abdul (Michael Parrish) Alwahiid, D Abdul Alwahiid graduated from Fairfield High School and is the owner of Hollywood Grill Restaurant.

District 58 ☐ Jasmaine Deloach, D Jasmaine Deloach is a missing persons advocate and human trafficking expert. She is founder of Angel's Arms Women and Teen Organization, which helps women and teens dealing with domestic violence and sexual abuse. Deloach is a volunteer for Birmingham Police Department and also works to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement.

District 59 ☐ James R. Franklin, D James Franklin was elected constable in 2016 and lost his re-election bid in 2020. According to his personal Facebook page, Franklin has a Master of Public Administration from Jacksonville State University and studied Law Enforcement at Auburn University.

District 60 ☐ Wanda Faye Bryant, D Wanda Bryant currently holds the office of Constable for District 60. She is actively involved with the Poor People’s Campaign and supports prison rehabilitation. Bryant emphasizes her compassion and experience as she runs for constable. Wanda Bryant cares for the members of her community and district, serving food to the poor and homeless and donating clothing to those in need.

38

Editor and Designer: Amanda Cherry Organizing Director: Tari Williams Assistant Editors: Emily Key and Rebecca Magruder Special thanks to the volunteer strategists, researchers, writers, and reviewers that have contributed to our guides over the years. Your influence is felt in this guide.

Thank you also to the non-profits, businesses, neighborhood associations, faith groups, libraries, and individuals who help distribute our guide!

For printed guides for your community, email info@gbm.org.

Helpful contacts: Secretary Alabama of State State Capitol Building - Suite S-105 600 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7200

Board of Registrars Jefferson County 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N Ste A-410 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 325-5550

Absentee Election Managers Birmingham 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N Room 500 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 325-5313 Hours: M-F, 8 am to 5 pm

Bessemer 1851 2nd Ave. N., Bessemer, AL 35020 (205) 497-8513 Hours: M-F, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

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) 39

Greater Birmingham Ministries 2304 12th Ave. N Birmingham, AL 35234 205.326.6821 | GBM.org

Greater Birmingham Ministries happily provides non-partisan election information FREE of charge. If you would like to offset our printing costs, there is a suggested donation of $1 per Election Guide. You can donate at gbm.org/donate.