Deadlines related to the 2012 elections are fast approaching.

Those wishing to run for public office in Chilton County can qualify beginning on Nov. 14, and the final day for qualifying will be Jan. 13, 2012.

Offices on the ballot this election cycle will be all seats on the Chilton County Commission, Chilton County Circuit Court Clerk, and Chilton County Probate Judge.

The current county commissioners are Democrats Bobby Agee, Heedy Hayes and M.L. “Red” Turnipseed; Republicans Allen Caton, Joe Headley and Greg Moore; and Independent Tim Mims, the chairman.

Glenn McGriff is the circuit court clerk, and Bobby Martin is the probate judge.

The Primary Election is March 13, 2012, a runoff election would follow on April 24, and the General Election is scheduled for Nov. 6.

Absentee ballot applications will be available 40 days before the election, and voters must have the ballot in five days before the election.

McGriff said absentee ballots can be mailed—a signature on the ballot would have to be confirmed by two witnesses—or brought by the circuit court clerk’s office at the Chilton County Courthouse.

“You would have to turn it in yourself,” McGriff said. “Somebody can’t turn your ballot in for you.”

Those interested in qualifying for a local election could visit the meeting of the Chilton County Democratic Club at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Kountry Kitchen Restaurant in Clanton.

The local Republican Party will host “Rally for Republicans…from Chilton County to D.C.” at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 in the large courtroom at the courthouse, said Renee Powers with the Republican Party.

The public is welcome to attend either event.

“It’s going to be a celebratory type setting,” Powers said.

Potential candidates must fill out paperwork to qualify, and pay a fee that represents 2 percent of the salary of the position they are seeking.