By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

Those looking to run for seats on the Shelby County Board of Education, Shelby County Commission or Shelby County circuit judge seats will be able to do so with their political parties over the next few weeks, as qualifying for major parties is now open.

Several local seats will be up for election in 2016, including all seats on the Shelby County Commission and places 4 and 5 on the Shelby County Board of Education, which currently are occupied by Jane Hampton and Aubrey Miller, respectively. Two Shelby County circuit judge seats also are up for election.

Primary elections will be held on March 1, 2016, with a primary runoff on April 12, 2016, if necessary. The general election will be held on Nov. 8, 2016.

The Shelby County Republican Party opened its candidate-qualifying period on Oct. 5, and the period will run through 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6.

Prospective Republican candidates must submit their qualifying forms and fees in person to the authorized representatives of the Shelby County Republican Party. Those wishing to run in the elections may call Shelby County Republican Chairman Joan Reynolds (334) 303-9999 or Secretary Jason Deluca 552-4756 to schedule an appointment to submit the required forms.

“Only candidates for county office should file qualifying documents with the Shelby County Republican Party,” Reynolds wrote in an email. “Those offices in the 2016 election cycle include Shelby County Commission seats and Board of Education.”

The Shelby County Circuit Judge candidates will qualify with the Alabama Republican Party at 3505 Lorna Road in Hoover.

The Democratic Party opened its qualifying period on Sept. 14, and the period will run through 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6.

To qualify as a Democrat for elected office in Alabama, candidates must file documents with several entities: The Alabama Democratic Party (or local County Chair), the Alabama Ethics Commission, the Alabama Secretary of State or Probate Judge and the IRS.

Qualifying fees for candidates will be an amount equal to 2 percent of the annual compensation for the office for which the nomination is sought.

For more information on running as a Republican, visit Shelbycountygop.com. For more information on running as a Democrat, visit Aldemocrats.org.