SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Talladega County Republican Party has announced that the qualifying period for candidates seeking office in the 2026 Republican Primary Election will open shortly after the first of the new year.
Candidate qualifying will open on Thursday, Jan. 8 and will close on Friday, Jan. 23, at 5:00 p.m. Qualifying will be conducted by appointment only at the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, located at 17 W Fort Williams St. Appointments will be available during the following times:
Jan. 8-9: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Jan. 12-14: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 22: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 23 (final day): 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Individuals interested in running for office on the Republican ticket are encouraged to contact the party early to schedule an appointment or get additional information from Sondra Epperson, Chairman of the Talladega County Republican Party, by phone at (760) 583-1101 or by email at [email protected].
Offices on the 2026 ballot in Talladega County include:
County Board of Education, District 4
County Commission, Districts 2 and 4
Coroner
Revenue Commissioner and Sheriff
District Court Judge, Places 1 and 2
Alabama House of Representatives, Districts 32, 33, 35, and 36
Alabama Senate, Districts 11 and 12
Alabama State Board of Education, District 6
To qualify, candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy in person during their appointment and pay the required qualifying fee. The fee is two percent of the annual salary for salaried offices or $50 for offices without compensation. A pauper’s affidavit is available for candidates who cannot afford to qualify due to financial hardship.
Candidates are also required to file additional forms within five days of qualifying, including an Appointment of Principal Campaign Committee with the Alabama Secretary of State and a Statement of Economic Interests with the Alabama Ethics Commission.
Failure to meet filing deadlines or party requirements may result in disqualification. Candidates must also complete a candidate interview and receive approval from the Candidate Interview Subcommittee/Election Committee, and the Talladega County Republican Party Executive Committee.
Candidates may find additional information and required forms at the following links:
• Alabama Secretary of State candidate information: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/candidates
• Campaign Finance Portal: https://fcpa.alabamavotes.gov
• Alabama Ethics Commission: https://ethics.alabama.gov
