By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Pelham City Clerk and Finance Director Tom Seale began setting up meetings on June 3 with those interested in running for the Pelham mayor’s seat or a spot on the Pelham City Council.

During its July 2 meeting, the Pelham City Council voted unanimously to appoint Seale as the city’s election manager. Because incumbent Mayor Don Murphy is running in the election, he is not eligible to serve as the city’s election manager.

As the election manager, Seale will meet with and qualify those interested in running for one of the five spots on the City Council or the mayor’s seat. To qualify for the election, a candidate must be at least 18 years old, must have lived in Pelham for at least 90 days prior to the election, must be a registered voter and must pay a $50 qualification fee.

Seale said the qualification fee can be paid with cash or personal check, but not by credit or debit card.

Seale encouraged those interested in running for municipal office to call him at 620-6404 to schedule a time to go through the registration process at Pelham City Hall. Seale said walk-ins are welcome, but those who schedule a time in advance will have precedent.

The qualifying period at City Hall will run through July 17 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The election will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 28 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

According to state law, a candidate must get at least 50 percent plus one vote in their respective race to be declared the winner during the municipal election. If no candidate receives at least 50 percent plus one vote in their race, a runoff will be held between the two candidates with the most votes on Oct. 9 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

Voters not already registered to vote in Pelham can do so until 5 p.m. on Aug. 17 with the Shelby County Board of Registrars. To register to vote, contact the Board of Registrars at 669-3913. Voters must have lived in Pelham at least 30 days prior to the election date in order to cast their ballots.