I want to thank all candidates who participated in Tuesday’s municipal elections in Jemison, Clanton, Maplesville and Thorsby.

Their willingness to seek office and to serve if elected is a clear indication of their dedication to the communities in which they live.

I am glad we have individuals who are willing to step up and offer their services to help lead our communities.

I also want to thank those who participated in the election process by voting. By taking the time to cast their votes, residents exercised their right to elect those who will serve and lead their communities the next four year.

October 7 is the date for run-off elections. Tom Bentley and Dearl Hilyer are in a run-off for mayor of Thorsby. Ronnie Porter and Jeffery Price are in a run-off for Clanton’s Ward 1 City Council seat and Greg DeJarnett and Bill Trimble are in a run-off for the Clanton’s Ward 4 City Council seat.

All qualified voters in Thorsby can participate in the run-off for the mayor’s post. Only the voters in Clanton’s Ward 1 and Ward 4 will be eligible to vote in Clanton’s City Council run-off elections.

There are no run-off elections in Maplesville or Jemison.

Those elected to serve on town councils and as mayor will take office on November 3. They will serve four-year terms.

The following day, November 4, we will all go to the polls to elect a President, and other national, state and county officials. Voter turnout during Presidential elections have historically been higher than during non Presidential elections.

I hope that is the case again this election and that you are planning now to cast your votes.

– Mike Kelley is the publisher of the The Clanton Advertiser. His column appears each Sunday. He can be reached at mike.kelley@clantonadvertiser.com.