rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Qualifying to run for office in Dothan

Qualifying to run for office in Dothan

The City of Dothan will hold a municipal election on August 5, 2025 for Mayor, Associate Commissioners (District 1-6), and Dothan City Schools Board of Education (Chair, District 1-6).

The Candidate qualifying period will begin on June 3, 2025 and will end at 5:00 p.m. on June 24, 2025.

Candidate packets are available in the City Clerk’s office.

Election day is Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
(If required, a run-off election will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.)

 

Follow this link to find all information regarding elections from Dothan.org. 

 

CITY OF DOTHAN
QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDATES
FOR OFFICE OF MAYOR
_______________________________________________________________________
• Shall be at least 19 years of age.
• Shall have been a qualified elector in the City for a least one year
prior to qualifying as a candidate for office.
• Shall reside in any district within the City.
• Shall hold no other public office except that of notary public or
member of the National Guard, Naval or Military Reserve, or the City
Commission.
• Shall file a statement of candidacy, accompanied by a petition signed
by a minimum of 100 registered voters of the City endorsing the
candidate, along with a qualifying fee in the amount of $300.00 or a
verified pauper’s oath.

 

CITY OF DOTHAN
QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDATES
FOR OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER
_______________________________________________________________________
• Shall be at least 19 years of age.
• Shall have been a qualified elector in the City for a least one year
prior to qualifying as a candidate for office.
• Shall have continuously resided in the district for which he/she is a
candidate for the preceding six months prior to qualifying as a
candidate for office.
• Shall hold no other public office except that of notary public or
member of the National Guard or Naval or Military Reserve.
• Shall file a statement of candidacy, accompanied by a petition signed
by a minimum of 50 registered voters of the representative
commission district endorsing the candidate, along with a qualifying
fee in the amount of $150.00 or a verified pauper’s oath

 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR CITY OF DOTHAN
BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES
_______________________________________________________________________
• Shall be at least 21 years of age.
• Candidates for member shall have been a resident of the school board
district which candidate seeks to represent on the board for at least 90
consecutive days immediately preceding the deadline date for qualifying as a
candidate.
Candidates for chair shall have been a resident of the City for at least 90
consecutive days immediately preceding the deadline date for qualifying as a
candidate.
• Shall not have a record of conviction for any crime involving moral
turpitude.
• Shall satisfy all qualifications of Section 16-11-2(c), Code of Alabama.
• Qualifying fee shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

J.T. Carroll announces DCS BOE run

J.T. Carroll announces DCS BOE run

J.T. Carroll announced his candidacy for the Dothan City Schools Board of Education District 5 race.

Read his full statement below:

After much thoughtful consideration, I’m excited to announce my candidacy for the District 5 seat
on the Dothan City Schools Board of Education.
I’m a proud husband, Marine Corps veteran, and father of two young daughters—both future
Dothan City Schools students. I believe deeply in the power of education. It’s often called the “great
equalizer” for a reason, and every student in Dothan deserves access to the opportunities that help
them succeed. Our students and teachers are just as capable as anyone in the country – but they
need steady leadership and real support to thrive.
In recent years, our school system has experienced significant change – some of it necessary, some
of it disruptive and divisive. Unfortunately, many of those divisions still linger. It’s time to move
forward with focus, stability, and a long-term commitment to success. Our community deserves
more than social media debates and political infighting. We need leadership that puts students
first, supports teachers, and brings people together around a shared vision.
My candidacy isn’t about politics or attention. Trust is built through action – and not talk. That’s why
I’m stepping up to lead differently, through servant leadership. That means listening to you, making
tough decisions when it counts, and staying focused on what matters: delivering real results for our
students, teachers, and families.
I had the honor of serving as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, leading Marines
on two combat deployments. That experience taught me to lead under pressure, take responsibility,
and never lose sight of the mission. After my service, I held strategic roles at one of the world’s
largest consulting firms before joining an industry-leading organization where I manage strategic
investment opportunities and financial planning. I know how to tackle complex challenges, build
accountable teams, and ensure every dollar is spent with purpose – all skills I’ll bring to the school
board.
As a board member, I’ll bring a fresh, common-sense approach. As a parent, I care deeply about
the future we’re building – because my girls will grow up in this school system. My priorities are
simple: help students succeed, keep great teachers in the classroom, and make sure we’re
investing where it matters most. I’ll listen to you, ask the hard questions, and serve with a steady
commitment to doing what’s right for our kids.
Whether you have children in public schools, private schools, or no school-age children at all, a
strong public school system benefits all of us. It’s your tax dollars at work here – and it is one of the
smartest investments we can make in Dothan’s future. Great schools attract new businesses and
families, strengthen our workforce, and fuel our city’s growth.
I believe in our kids. I believe in our educators. I believe in us. With your vote on August 5th, we’ll
build a school system that is the first choice for families across Dothan.
– J.T. Carroll

UPDATED @ 3:35 PM    2:24 PM     Escape From Diversion Center

UPDATED @ 3:35 PM 2:24 PM Escape From Diversion Center

DOTHAN:      2:24 PM     Multiple law enforcement officers are in the area of Horace Shehard Road and Highway 231 North searching for an escape from the Southeast Alabama Diversion Center.

Reports are Troy University – Dothan is on lockdown because of the escape. Multiple reports of sightings.

Do not have description at this time.

UPDATED @ 3:35 PM   

The juvenile has been taken into custody.

7:49 AM    Combined Law Enforcement Executes Search Warrant In Geneva County

7:49 AM Combined Law Enforcement Executes Search Warrant In Geneva County

GENEVA – DALE COUNTY AL:      Based on intelligence information obtained by Dale County Sheriff Task Force a combined law enforcement force executed a search warrant in Geneva County.

Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum, Geneva County Sheriff Tony Helms, ALEA – SBI, and FBI Agents executed a search warrant on a Geneva County residence. The combined law enforcement officers were assisted by Dale County SRT Unit and WASP ( Wiregrass Aviation Support Program ) flew overhead as officers executed the search warrant.

The intelligence information obtained by Dale County Sheriff Task Force was for cyber crimes. The search warrant resulted in an arrest. At this time RSN does not have the name of the individual taken into custody.

The search warrant executed is an example of law enforcement joining hands together to make the community safer. Criminal activity has no geographical boundries. When intelligence leads then law enforcement has no boundries. The combined law enforcement search warrant is just one example of the committment law enforcement has to weeding out those who seek to committ unlawful acts with those underage.

Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum assembled a team to focus on illegal acts with those underage. The team will seek out those who have immoral desires and leave no stone unturned.

 

UPDATE: 1:15: Report: Person at bottom of pool at Elks Lodge

UPDATE: 1:15: Report: Person at bottom of pool at Elks Lodge

Multiple Dothan police and fire units responded to the Elks Lodge with a report of a person laying at the bottom of the pool.

CPR was initiated, and the patient is being taken to a hospital now.

Dothan Police, Dothan Fire and Pilcher’s all responded.

UPDATE: the person was reportedly pronounced dead at the hospital.

Two Dothan Police officers shed their gear and dove into the pool to try to save the person.