Election Season Begins on the Gulf Coast, Here’s What You Need to Know

OBA Staff • June 26, 2025

Key City Races in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are on the Ballot on August 26

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach and Gulf Shores voters will head to the polls for the 2025 Municipal Election on Tuesday, August 26. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in both cities.

Voters in Orange Beach will cast their ballots at the Orange Beach Event Center, located at 4671 Wharf Parkway West. A run-off election, if needed, will be held on Tuesday, September 23. Details on the Gulf Shores election can be found below.

Since January 1, 2024, Precinct 41 voters have cast their ballots at the Orange Beach Event Center. The Orange Beach Community Center is no longer used as a polling location. Ono Island is not in the city limits of Orange Beach and residents do not vote in city elections.

The 2025 election includes races for mayor and five city council seats. Terms last four years. Due to Alabama Senate Bill 119, municipal elections were shifted back one year, extending current terms to 2025. This change was signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey in 2021.

Candidates Qualified for the 2025 Orange Beach Municipal Election:

Mayor

Jeffrey M. Boyd
Tony Kennon

City Council Place #1

Tom Conerly
Jack Robertson

City Council Place #2

Ginger Harrelson
Annette Mitchell
Matt Wilson

City Council Place #3

Jerry Johnson
Jay Neese

City Council Place #4

Jeffrey H. Silvers

City Council Place #5

JoJo McCarron
Robert Stuart II

Residents must be registered to vote at least 14 days before the election. The last day to register is August 11, 2025. To vote in Orange Beach, residents must have lived within the city limits by July 27, 2025.

Voter registration can be completed or updated online at the Alabama Secretary of State’s website. Absentee ballot applications are also available through the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or by mail.

August 19 is the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail. August 21 is the last day to hand-deliver an absentee ballot application. Additional details can be found on the city’s website or by contacting the City Clerk.

For specific deadlines and dates, please refer to the Municipal Election Calendar (pdf).

Gulf Shores Elections

Gulf Shores voters will return to the polls for the 2025 Municipal Election on Tuesday, August 26th. Several candidates are competing for mayor and city council seats. The election will be held at two polling locations in Gulf Shores. Voters should check their assigned polling place before Election Day.

The deadline to register to vote is Monday, August 11th. You can learn how to register to vote by clicking here. Residents who want to vote absentee can find instructions on how to request and return a ballot by clicking here. All information is available on the city’s election website.

Polling locations are assigned based on your home address. Voters should verify their designated site to avoid confusion on Election Day by clicking here. Municipal elections in Gulf Shores are managed by the city and follow state rules.

City of Gulf Shores 2025 Municipal Election Candidates as of June 23, 2025*

Mayor

Robert Craft (incumbent)
Ray Moore, Jr.
Angie Swiger

Council, Place No. 1

Austin "Coach" Boyd
Lucas Burger
Joe Garris (incumbent)

Council, Place No. 2

Jennifer Guthrie
Gary Sinak (incumbent)

Council, Place 3

Eric Bradley
Philip Harris (incumbent)

Council, Place No. 4

Jason Dyken (incumbent)
Joseph Marinaccio

Council, Place No. 5

Blair Castro
Stephen E. Jones (incumbent)

* Candidates must be approved by the Ethics Commission before being added to the official ballot. A final list will be posted on June 30, 2025, after the qualifying period ends.

Helpful Election Related Links

Secretary of State Information for Elections

Voter ID

Fair Campaign Practices Act

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