Last Tuesday the St. Clair Republican candidates running in this year’s election gathered in Probate Judge Mike Bowling’s office. They were ready to file their paperwork in order to qualify for this year’s election.

In order to qualify the GOP candidates had to have their forms completed and hand them in to the Probate Judge’s office or mail them to Birmingham or Montgomery.

The vast majority of the current Republicans are so-far running unopposed.

But for those wishing to file with the St. Clair Republican Party, the filing period is open until April 2.

At that time there will be no more qualifying for county seats open.

Offices that are up for grabs this year include:

Six year terms

* Circuit judge

* District attorney

*Two Board of Education positions (Ragland and an at large position)

Four year terms

*County Commission Chairman

* Commission District 2         (Moody area)

*Commission District 1         (Ashville/Steele area)

* Sheriff

* St. Clair BOE Superintendent

* Coroner

If someone wishes to file and run they may contact St. Clair Republican Party Chairman Joey Stevens at (205) 640-2000.

“I’d be more than happy to sit down with anyone interested in running to go over the details involved in qualifying and guide them through the process. I’m always open and available to see people who have questions or comments,” Stevens said.

“This is going to be a busy year for us since we’re in an election cycle,” he said of the St. Clair GOP. “It’s one in which we’re excited about and have very high expectations.”

Some of the initiatives the St. Clair Republicans will be working towards this year include voter registration and actively recruiting younger people to get involved in the political process.

“It’s critical that we get new voters and get people as engaged as they can be. My biggest fear is complacency,” Stevens said. “I don’t want our voters to think that their Republican candidates are assured to win. I want each of our candidates to run as if they are behind and have the sense of urgency and enthusiasm that’s unparalleled.”