Pelham Votes Today: Mayor and Council Seats on the Ballot in Citywide Election

August 26, 2025 - PELHAM, AL. - Today, August 26, residents of Pelham head to the polls to elect a new mayor and five city council members in a pivotal municipal election that will shape the city's leadership for the next four years. With longtime Mayor Gary Waters retiring, the race for the city's top office is wide open-and the council contests are equally competitive.

Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, the city's sole polling location for municipal elections. Voters must bring a valid photo ID to cast their ballot.

Mayoral Race: Two Council Veterans Compete for the Top Job

Two sitting council members are vying to succeed Mayor Waters:

• Maurice Mercer: Currently serving as Council President and representative for Place 4, Mercer has emphasized continuity, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement.

• Rick Wash: The Place 3 councilmember, Wash is running on a platform of infrastructure investment, transparency, and regional cooperation.

Both candidates bring years of experience in Pelham governance and have participated in recent budget and planning decisions.

Council Contests: Five Seats, Multiple Matchups

All five council seats are up for election, with several incumbents seeking reelection and others stepping aside:

• Place 1: Incumbent David Coram faces Michelle Power, a veteran educator with Pelham City Schools.

• Place 2: Incumbent Chad Leverett is challenged by local resident Will Blake.

• Place 3: With Rick Wash running for mayor, this seat is open. Candidates include Cathy Cartagena, Tim Reddock, and Chris Townes.

• Place 4: Maurice Mercer's mayoral bid leaves this seat vacant. Candidates are Darius Foster, Ron Griggs, and Markus Snowden.

• Place 5: Incumbent Michael Harris is running for reelection against Russell Platt.

All positions are elected at-large, meaning every registered voter in Pelham can vote for every seat. There are no districts or precincts in Pelham's municipal format.

Runoff Possibility and Transition Timeline

If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in any race, a runoff election will be held on Tuesday, September 23. Newly elected officials will take office on the first Monday in November, marking the start of a new administrative term.

What's at Stake

Pelham's next mayor and council will oversee key decisions on:

• Budget priorities and debt management

• Infrastructure and road improvements

• Parks, recreation, and community services

• Coordination with Shelby County and neighboring cities

With growth pressures and civic expectations rising, today's election offers residents a chance to choose leaders who reflect their values and vision for Pelham's future.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're focused on fiscal policy, neighborhood investment, or school partnerships, today is your opportunity to shape Pelham's next chapter. Head to the Civic Complex, bring your ID, and make your voice count.