Handbook·Elections

Running for office in Alabama

State page·Verified 2026-07-10

This page covers what's specific to Alabama on top of the general guide to filing for local office.

Filing in Alabama

Alabama qualifies candidates through political parties rather than a petition system for most partisan races. State legislative and most county candidates qualify with their party's executive committee (Alabama Democratic or Republican Party), not directly with the Secretary of State, during a set qualifying window each cycle. The fee is 2 percent of the office's annual salary, non-refundable. Independent and minor-party candidates use nominating petitions instead of the party fee. Municipal candidates, including city council and mayor, file a Statement of Candidacy with the city clerk and pay a base $50 fee, though a city council can set a different fee by ordinance. Every candidate, at every level, must also file a Statement of Economic Interests with the Alabama Ethics Commission.

Deadlines and numbers

  • 2026 state legislature qualifying window: opened Monday, January 5, 2026, 8:30am CST, closed Friday, January 23, 2026, 5:00pm CST
  • State legislature qualifying fee: 2 percent of the office's annual salary, roughly $1,333 to $4,782 depending on the seat, non-refundable
  • Municipal qualifying fee: $50 base, subject to change by city council ordinance
  • 2025 municipal cycle qualifying deadline, as a reference point: June 24, 2025, 5:00pm

The dossier could not confirm current signature-petition thresholds for independent or minor-party candidates, or exact county commission qualifying deadlines and fees, which can vary by county party committee. Check both with /engage or directly with your county's party committee.

Where to go