GADSDEN– Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 25, for the City of Gadsden’s 2026 municipal election.

Residents will vote for mayor and any contested City Council or Gadsden City Board of Education seat in their district. The races are nonpartisan, and write-in votes are not permitted.

When and Where to Vote

Voters must use the municipal polling place assigned to their voting box and district. The city mailed postcards in July showing each voter’s district and polling location.

However, anyone uncertain about an assignment should call the City Clerk’s Office at 256-549-4517. Voters may also contact the Etowah County Board of Registrars at 256-549-5384.

The remaining absentee deadline is noon today. Mailed absentee ballots and qualifying medical-emergency ballots must reach the City Clerk’s Office by that time.

Races on Today’s Ballot

The citywide mayoral race features incumbent Craig Ford and Thomas Worthy. The current official sample ballots show these additional district races and ballot names:

• District 1 City Council: Brandon “Bowtie” Hall, Russell Johnson, LaMont Kyle, and incumbent Tonya Lynn Latham
• District 1 School Board: Adrienne Reed and Cynthia W. Toles
• District 3 City Council: incumbent Larry J. Avery Jr. and Denecia Ann Getaw
• District 4 School Board: K. Tiffany Ballou and Mike Haney
• District 5 City Council: Linda Riggins Aaron, Curtis Fail, Joey Nichols, and incumbent Jason Wilson
• District 6 City Council: incumbent Dixie Minatra and Renay Stokes Reeves
• District 7 City Council: Singn Horn and incumbent Chris Robinson

Only contested offices appear on the district ballots. Therefore, voters will not see an unopposed council or school board race on their ballot.

District 5 Ballot After Jason Wilson’s Death

District 5 voters will still see Aaron, Fail, Nichols, and Wilson on the printed ballot. However, the city’s updated sample ballot notes that Fail and Nichols submitted written withdrawal notices Aug. 18.

Wilson died Aug. 19, but his name remains on the ballot. According to the city, state law allows Wilson to remain eligible for election.

Council President Kent Back said Jessica Wilson would be willing to serve if Wilson wins. However, the City Council would have to choose her.

Gadsden Municipal Election Polling Locations

The city’s official polling-place list includes:

• District 1A: Antioch Baptist Church Family Life Center, 2103 East Broad Street
• District 1B: East Gadsden Community Center, 921 Wilson Avenue
• District 2A: East Gadsden Community Center, 921 Wilson Avenue
• District 2B: Thompson Community Center, 236 Goldenrod Avenue
• District 3A: Abundant Life Church gym, 323 South 12th Street
• District 3B: Carver Community Center, 1030 Tuscaloosa Avenue
• District 3C: Thompson Community Center, 236 Goldenrod Avenue
• District 4A: The Venue, 201 George Wallace Drive
• District 4B: Meadowbrook Baptist Church Family Life Center, 2525 Rainbow Drive
• District 4C: Downtown Civic Center, 623 Broad Street
• District 5A: Downtown Civic Center, 623 Broad Street
• District 5B: The Tabernacle Church, 1301 South 11th Street
• District 6A: Senior Wellness Center, 2829 West Meighan Boulevard
• District 6B: Walnut Park Community Center, 3200 Walnut Street
• District 7A: Senior Wellness Center, 2829 West Meighan Boulevard
• District 7B: Kiwanis Pavilion, 1500 Noccalula Road

What Voters Should Bring

Voters should bring an approved photo ID. Common examples include an Alabama driver’s license, Alabama nondriver ID, Alabama photo voter ID card, state or federal identification, U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID, qualifying government employee ID, or certain college and university identification cards.

An Alabama driver’s license or nondriver ID qualifies if it is valid. It also qualifies if it expired less than 60 days ago.

Additionally, a voter without approved identification may cast a provisional ballot. State law permits a regular ballot without photo identification in another circumstance.

Two election officials must positively identify that voter and sign the required affidavit.

Election results will be posted on the city’s election page after the polls close. If required, a runoff election will be held Sept. 22, and the new administration will take office Nov. 2.