Qualifying for local offices on the 2026 ballot is underway in Perry County, and party officials are reminding potential candidates that the window to get on the primary ballot closes Friday, Jan. 23. Candidate qualifying opened Jan. 5.
Primary elections are set for May 19, 2026, with the general election to follow on Nov. 3, 2026.
According to Perry County Democratic Party Chairman Carlton Hogue, Democratic candidates for county offices may qualify by visiting either the Albert Turner Sr. Courthouse Annex or the Perry County Probate Office during regular business hours through Jan. 23.
Offices on the ballot include sheriff, revenue commissioner, coroner, Perry County Commission Districts 1, 2 and 3, and Perry County Board of Education District 5.
Democratic candidates for all other offices, including state senate and state house seats and positions on the State Democratic Executive Committee, qualify through the state party’s online portal at aldemocrats.org. The state party’s qualifying fee is 2 percent of the annual salary of the office sought; candidates for the State Democratic Executive Committee may also be required to pay a $50 qualifying fee.
On the Republican side, Perry County Republican Party Chairman Brett Harrison said Republican candidates wishing to qualify for county offices in the 2026 primary may contact Kathy Cowan at 334-431-1926 or Harrison at 205-300-3352 for information on qualifying procedures and fees.
