By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The race is about to ramp up as election qualifying for DeKalb County candidates of both parties begin.

On Monday, the DeKalb County Republican Party announced that the qualifying for Republican candidates will open on October 8, 2019. Qualifying will remain open for candidates until November 8, 2019 at 5pm.

According to Mary McGuire Smith, the new Chair of the DeKalb County Democrats, the qualifying for Democratic candidates follow the same dates as the state party: September 27 through November 8, 2019.

All candidates who are seeking elected office in DeKalb County must have their qualifying papers signed and dated before the end of the qualifying period.

This year's DeKalb County races include: DeKalb County Superintendent, DeKalb County Commission Places 1 and 2, DeKalb County District Judge, DeKalb County Revenue Commissioner and DeKalb County Board of Education Places 1, 2 and 5.

On the opening day of qualifying, the candidates can meet with Party Chairman David Gulledge at the DeKalb County Courthouse in the Probate Judge’s courtroom. The Courthouse is open from 8am to 4pm.

Democratic Chair Smith provided an email address of democrat@iride.at for any candidates who wish to run locally as a Democrat. 

The next general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.