In just over one year, Alabama voters will head to the polls to participate in the 2010 Democratic and Republican primaries.

In that election, two candidates will separate themselves as their party’s representatives for the race to become Alabama’s next governor.

There are a number of candidates who have gotten an early start and declared their intention to run for office.

Local efforts have also begun in some cases and will pick up soon. The Chilton County Republican Party, for example, has already held a fundraiser and has several more events planned.

Chilton County Republican Party Chairwoman Ann Glasscock said activity will pick up next month when candidates can officially begin taking campaign donations.

“When it gets a little closer, headquarters will open,” Glasscock said.

Chilton County Democrat Club Chairman Bobby Martin said enthusiasm will pick up after the candidates qualify, typically in March, and will escalate after the June primaries.

“After the primary and the party selects the candidate to go into the general election, then we start raising funds to support the Democratic candidate in the general election,” Martin said.

Martin said the Democrat Club will not support any particular candidate until after the primaries, but individual members will help candidates.

Martin said he was pleased so far with the anticipated candidates.

“Both parties have got some good people who’ve already announced for things,” Martin said.

On the Republican side, support will also increase with time.

“The qualifying deadline hasn’t come yet,” Glasscock said. “People are kind of afraid to commit to a candidate this early.”

Though it is early, candidates have wasted no time raising support.

“They’re really concentrated on Chilton County,” Glasscock said. “Several of the state candidates have chosen people in Chilton County to be on their campaign staffs.”

Glasscock said locals Tom and Renee Powers will be on Hank Erwin’s campaign staff in his bid for lieutenant governor, and Jimmy Plier will be on Tim James’ gubernatorial campaign staff.

Glasscock said James and state senatorial candidate Cam Ward have already visited the area.

Glasscock also said there are a lot of local offices up for election this year, such as superintendent, sheriff, state senator and state representative.

“It’ll be a lot more interesting on the local level,” Glasscock said.