Montgomery, Ala. – Alabamians are preparing to elect a new Secretary of State this November. The office, which oversees the certification of vote totals, business registrations, and campaign finance disclosures, will be filled after the current officeholder, Wes Allen, reaches his term limit.
Republican nominee: Caroleene Dobson
Caroleene Dobson secured the Republican nomination after defeating Christopher Christian Horn and Glenda Jackson in the party’s primary. Dobson is a shareholder at the Maynard Nexsen law firm in Montgomery and previously ran for Alabama’s 2nd congressional district, losing to Rep. Shomari Figures in the 2024 race. Her campaign emphasizes efficient election administration and support for small businesses seeking registration assistance.
Democratic nominee: Wayne Rogers
Wayne Rogers ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and will face Dobson in the general election. Rogers has served as chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee and led the Hoover Democrats. He highlights the importance of transparent election processes and expanding voter outreach across the state.
Election timeline and voting details
The 2026 midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. Alabama polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Voters can find sample ballots for all 67 counties on the state’s election website. The deadline to register to vote was Monday, Oct. 19.
What the Secretary of State does
The Secretary of State serves as Alabama’s chief election official. Responsibilities include certifying election results, maintaining campaign finance records, overseeing business entity filings, and ensuring the integrity of the state’s voting infrastructure. The office also plays a key role in implementing election security measures and supporting local election officials.
Why the race matters to local families and communities
Effective administration of elections directly impacts the confidence families have in the democratic process. A Secretary of State who prioritizes clear, timely certification of results helps preserve trust in local and statewide outcomes. Additionally, the office’s business registration function assists entrepreneurs and family‑run enterprises in complying with state requirements, fostering economic stability in communities across Alabama.
Looking ahead
Both candidates will continue to tour the state, meeting with faith‑based groups, business owners, and civic organizations to share their visions for the office. Voters are encouraged to review each candidate’s platform, attend town‑hall events, and verify their registration status before heading to the polls on Nov. 3.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
