Don't Forget: Today Is Municipal Runoff Election Day

As dawn breaks across cities and towns, a quiet but crucial event is unfolding in communities from coast to coast: today is municipal runoff election day. While these elections may lack the spectacle of national contests, their outcomes will shape local policies, leadership, and the everyday lives of residents for years to come. If you are eligible to vote in one of these runoffs, now is the time to make your voice heard.

What Are Municipal Runoff Elections?

Municipal runoff elections are held when no candidate achieves the required majority in a previous election, often the general local election. Instead of letting a plurality decide, runoff elections ensure the eventual winner enjoys the broadest possible support. Typically, the top two vote-getters from the initial round face off in a final contest, giving citizens a clear choice between the leading contenders.

Runoffs are common in city races for mayor, city council, school board, and other local offices. Rules vary by municipality, but the purpose remains consistent: to confirm that elected officials truly represent the will of their communities.

Why Municipal Elections Matter

Local government may seem less glamorous than state or federal politics, but it's where decisions are made that directly affect your daily life. Municipal governments oversee services such as policing, fire protection, public transportation, zoning, sanitation, parks, and libraries. They control budgets, set tax rates, and make decisions about public works and development.

The leaders elected today will be responsible for:

• Making decisions about local education and school funding

• Determining police funding and public safety policies

• Overseeing city planning, infrastructure, and transportation

• Managing parks, recreation, and cultural resources

• Guiding economic development and housing initiatives

In short, the outcomes of today's runoff elections will help shape the character and direction of your community for years to come.

Why Your Vote Is So Important

Turnout for municipal runoff elections is notoriously low-often far lower than in general or presidential elections. This means that every single vote is magnified: a handful of ballots can make the difference between two sharply contrasting candidates or policies. By casting your vote, you increase the odds that your priorities and values are reflected in local government.

Furthermore, municipal offices often serve as the training ground for future state and national leaders. Today's city council member could be tomorrow's governor or senator. Your vote helps set the trajectory, not just for your community, but potentially for the nation.

How to Find Your Polling Place

If you're unsure where to vote, don't worry-resources are available. Most city or county election boards maintain websites where you can look up your polling location based on your address. Alternatively, you can call your local elections office or check your voter registration card for details. Your polling place for a municipal election may be different from the one you used for the Presidential election as there are often fewer polling places. Check with your city clerk if in doubt.

What to Expect at the Polls

Runoff ballots are usually shorter than general election ballots, often featuring only one or two races. That makes the process quick and straightforward-no long lines or confusing lists of candidates. Poll workers are trained to assist with any questions, and many polling places offer accommodations for voters with disabilities including handicapped parking.

If you have already voted by mail or via absentee ballot, you can check the status of your ballot through your local election office's website.

Common Questions About Runoff Elections

Who Can Vote in the Runoff?

Eligibility rules for runoff elections are generally the same as for general elections. If you were registered to vote in time for the previous round, you can vote in today's runoff-even if you did not participate in the earlier election.

If you are not registered you cannot vote in this election. You also have to be in the city limits of the city in which you are voting in. If you are not sure about your eligibility to vote in this election a poll worker can assist you.

Tips for Making Your Vote Count

• Double-check your polling location and hours of operation

• Bring the required photo voter identification with you to the polls

• Review the candidates and issues beforehand-many local news outlets and nonpartisan organizations provide voter guides. The Alabama Gazette has written articles on the Leeds, Center Point, Enterprise, Mobile, and Southside mayoral races but these are just a fraction of the elections happening today across Alabama. There are also mayoral runoff elections in Greenville, Selma, Tuskegee, Alexander City, Athens, Calera, Eufaula, Fairfield, Florence, Graysville, Lanett, Linden, Lipscomb,, Marion, Opp, Tarrant, Union Springs, and Uniontown. Numerous other municipalities have runoff elections for city council and or school board including: Montgomery, Hoover, Anniston, Gadsden, Gulf Shores, Anniston, and more.

• Encourage friends and neighbors to vote; remind them how important their participation is

• Share information about the runoff on social media to boost turnout

• If you run into problems at the polls, ask for help-a poll worker or election monitor can assist

The Stakes Are High

Municipal runoff elections may not grab national headlines, but they are foundational to the functioning of government. They determine who will make decisions about your city's schools, safety, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. A strong turnout ensures that elected officials are accountable and truly represent the community's wishes.

For many, the issues at stake in these elections are anything but abstract. From potholes to policing, affordable housing to public parks, the decisions made by local leaders have a direct impact on your neighborhood, your family, and your daily routines. By showing up and voting today, you are helping to shape the future you want to see.

Make Your Voice Heard

Democracy works best when everyone participates. If you are eligible to vote in today's municipal runoff elections, don't let this opportunity pass by. Your voice-and your vote-matters. Polls are open, ballots are ready, and your community is counting on you. Head to the polls, take a friend or family member, and help ensure that your city's future reflects the hopes and needs of all its residents.

Polls open at 7:00 a.m. across the state and close at 7:00 p.m.

Turnout is expected to be extremely light so every vote has increased significance.

Remember: the power of local government is in your hands. Don't let it slip through your fingers. Vote today!

Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.