By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
The 2016 election season has officially begun with the opening of candidate qualifying with the Alabama Democratic Party.
On Monday, September 14, the Alabama Democratic Party opened candidate qualifying today for the March 1, 2016 Democratic Primary Election.
The Alabama Democratic Party reports that a steady stream of candidates running for re-election and as first-time candidates brought qualifying papers by the Alabama Democratic Party’s state headquarters at 501 Adams Ave., Montgomery, AL during the day today.
Candidate qualifying will end on November 6, 2015, for all federal, state, and county offices, as well as for Presidential candidates and their Convention Delegates who will be on the March 1 Primary Ballot.
Chairwoman of the Alabama Democratic Party, Nancy Worley said, “We are pleased to see numerous judicial candidates and candidates for District Attorney turn in their qualifying papers today; numerous others called to say they mailed their qualifying papers or plan to bring them to the office this week.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders (I), former Virginia Senator Jim Webb, Harvard professor Lawrence Lessig, and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley have all qualified to run for President of the United States. Vice President Joe Biden is reportedly considering a run but time is running out.
Alabama Democrats have taken historic thrashings in recent elections; but have expressed optimism with recent developments with Republican legislators backing tax increases and with gambling emerging as a possible issue in future elections.
Information on qualifying procedures and required forms can be found on the Alabama Democratic Party website (aldemocrats.org) under “Resources,” followed by “Candidate Qualifying.”
Individuals interested in running for office at the State and Federal level must qualify with the state party. Those planning to run for county office will qualify with their respective county Democratic Party Chairs. Potential candidates can find a list of County Chairs, including their contact information, on the Party website.
Republican qualifying will begin on October 5 at 8:30AM CDT at the Alabama Republican Party headquarters located at 3505 Lorna Road, Birmingham, AL.
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill (R) has already announced that qualifying for all major party candidates for 2016 will close on Friday, November 6 at 5:00PM CST.”
For additional information about qualifying for office as a Democrat, call the Alabama Democratic Party Office at (334) 262-2221.
