Officials see Dothan voting interest as typical

In 19 days, an estimated 30 percent of the city’s registered voters will put forth the effort to go to the polls to elect new city and school representatives.

Municipal elections are July 14 and based on early interest, City Clerk Pam McCoy doesn’t expect more than the usual 25 to 30 percent voter turnout.

“The last time we had an election for mayor, about 27 percent voted,” McCoy said.

Absentee ballot voting is also about normal. As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, 127 residents had voted absentee, McCoy said. The majority—45—are registered in District 5 and list their reason for voting absentee as “vacation.” District 5 is represented on the city commission by Taylor Barbaree, who faces challengers Paul Ferrell and David Cornelius.

Twenty-seven are voting absentee in District 1, where five candidates seek the office currently held by Larry Matthews. Challengers include former commissioners James Reading and George Williams, longtime candidate Earnest Rhodes and political newcomer Kevin Dorsey.

The fewest number of absentee ballots have been cast in District 4, currently represented by John Craig, who is not up for re-election. Only 10 have filed absentee in Craig’s district.

Mayor Pat Thomas, who is not seeking a second term, said the lack of interest, unfortunately, is typical.

“Traditionally about 30 percent of the people determine the future of Dothan and yet this election coming up is the most critical election I have witnessed,” Thomas said. “There are two completely different paths being forged by two groups of candidates.”

People must choose which path they want or lose the right to complain about it.

“I anticipate the same 30 to 35 percent who elect all officials will be voting. I hope it is the right 35 percent,” he said. “It’s a shame how people don’t think city government will affect how their businesses operate, but it matters. City government has a hand in recruiting jobs. It matters. The city has a direct hand in education ... it matters. But, you can’t make people vote.”

Elections are being held for mayor and school board chairman, and representatives for city and school board in districts 1, 3 and 5.

Only one candidate qualified in school board districts 1 and 5, so the only school board races are for the chairman and in district 3.

For those who do want to vote and can’t get to the polls or will be out of town, absentee ballots can be cast at or mailed to the Dothan City Clerk’s office. The deadline to vote absentee is July 9.

The last day to register to vote with the Houston County Board of Registrars is July 2. The election board is located in the county Administrative Building on North Oates Street.

During a short city commission meeting Wednesday morning, officials set the compensation for 115 poll workers at $65, with chief inspectors earning $75 for the day. Five absentee ballot box workers will be paid $35 each.
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Know where to vote?

A complete list of registered voters and their respective polling places will be published in the Dothan Eagle on July 3. The following have been established as polling places:

District 1A: Walton Park Recreation Center

District 1B: East Side Fire Station

District 2A: Dothan Civic Center

District 2B: Wiregrass Park

District 3A: Houston County Farm Center

District 3B: National Guard Armory

District 4A: Lakewood Fire Station

District 4B: Doug Tew Community Center

District 5A: Westgate Recreation Center

District 5B: Inn Place Hotel Banquet Room

Distict 6A: Vaughn Blumberg Center

District 6B: Northside Mall

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A runoff election, if required, will be Aug. 25.