Columbiana council certifies three unopposed candidates, appoints poll officials for August election

The Columbiana City Council on a single vote certified three council candidates as elected without opposition and separately appointed poll officials for the upcoming municipal election.

The council adopted three resolutions — numbered in the meeting as 0725-1, 0725-2 and 0725-3 — that certify that only one person filed statements of candidacy for Ward 2 (Councilwoman Maisel), Ward 3 (Councilman Rustin) and Ward 4 (Councilwoman King). The council then signed the certifying statements that must be recorded with the probate office and posted in accordance with state law.

The city attorney read Section 11-46-26 of the Code of Alabama during the meeting, which the council cited as the legal basis for treating a sole qualified candidate as elected and for removing that candidate’s name from the ballot. The clerk will attest to the written statements required by the statute and will file them with the probate office.

The council also approved Resolution 072504 appointing poll officials for the municipal election, in compliance with Section 11-46-27 of the Code of Alabama. Named officials include Chief Inspector Tom Moore; Inspector Daniel Hallmark; registration clerk Denise Clark; poll list clerk Christy Nolan; ballot clerk Cecilia Woods; and assistant clerks Pat Ponder, Theresa Fullmore and Vicky Stone. The mayor noted that poll workers must complete mandatory poll-worker training and will be paid for attending the training.

Motion and vote details: the clerk recorded a motion and second to adopt the three uncontested-candidate resolutions; the motion was carried by voice vote during the meeting. A separate motion to adopt the poll-officials resolution was similarly introduced, seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally for either vote.

Why this matters: Certifying unopposed candidates completes a legal step required before the election; appointing trained poll workers fulfills statutory duties that allow the city to operate its election. The council said it will file the required paperwork with probate and post the certifications as required by state law.

What the council said: The city attorney explained the relevant Code of Alabama sections on unopposed candidates and on poll official appointments. The clerk will attest to and file the certification documents. The mayor and council discussed posting and recording requirements during the meeting.

What’s next: The clerk will sign and post the certifications and file them with the probate office. Poll workers will complete mandatory training before election day.