Madison, AL, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Madison voters will head to the polls on August 26 to elect a new mayor and city council, marking a significant shift in local governance. Current Mayor Paul Finley is not seeking reelection, and three candidates are vying for the top position. While there are three competitive council races, four others feature unopposed candidates. Key issues highlighted by candidates include infrastructure, education, and fiscal responsibility. Election day polling hours will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with newly elected officials taking office on November 3.
Madison voters will head to the polls on August 26 to elect a new mayor and city council as part of a significant shift in local governance. With the current mayor, Paul Finley, not seeking reelection, the election is poised to bring a new era of leadership to the city. There are three candidates who are vying for the mayoral position.
Among the mayoral candidates is Ranae Bartlett, the current City Council President Pro Tempore representing District 5 and a former member of the Board of Education. Another candidate, M. Margi Daly, has experience as a former council and county commission member in New Jersey before relocating to Madison. The third candidate, Steve Smith, currently serves as Madison’s City Administrator and previously held a position on the city council.
While the mayoral race garners attention, only three of the seven council races are deemed competitive; the remaining four races feature unopposed candidates. The sole incumbent in these uncontested races is Maura Wroblewski, representing District 1. In District 4, two candidates, Rachel Homolak and Michael McKay, are campaigning for the seat previously held by Greg Shaw, who chose not to run again. District 6’s Karen Denzine faces challenges from Scott Harbour and Erica White, while in District 7, John D. Seifert II will defend his seat against challenger Kenneth Jackson.
Voters can cast their ballots on the election day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Newly elected officials will officially take office on November 3, with runoff elections scheduled for September 23 if necessary.
In addition to Madison’s elections, other cities in the area are also experiencing political changes. In Athens, William “Ronnie” Marks seeks reelection against candidates Danny Whitfield and Mark Wilson. In Decatur, Tab Bowling is not running for reelection, and City Councilman Billy Jackson is among four individuals competing to fill his position.
To familiarize voters with the candidates and their priorities, a Candidate Connection Reception & Forum took place on August 24. This event spotlighted the qualifications and plans of the candidates, who outlined key issues such as infrastructure development, education, public services, and fiscal responsibility that they plan to address if elected.
The candidates’ visions for Madison varied by district. Wroblewski, the sole incumbent, emphasized new community projects, including an animal shelter and the Mill Creek Greenway. In District 4, Homolak and McKay stressed the importance of integrity and the need to balance funding for education and city services. Candidates in District 6 focused on recreation and intelligent road design to address local traffic issues, while those in District 7 discussed necessary infrastructure improvements and support for local businesses.
With the landscape of Madison’s local government set to change dramatically, the upcoming election represents a crucial opportunity for voters to shape the future of their city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the election day for Madison?
The election day for Madison is on August 26.
What time can voters cast their ballots?
Voters can cast their ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m..
Who are the candidates for mayor?
The candidates for mayor are Ranae Bartlett, M. Margi Daly, and Steve Smith.
Are there contested races for city council?
Yes, three of the seven council races are competitive, while the remaining four have only one candidate running.
When will the newly elected officials take office?
The newly elected officials will take office on November 3.
Key Features of the Madison Elections
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Day | August 26 |
| Polling Hours | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| New Mayor Candidates | Ranae Bartlett, M. Margi Daly, Steve Smith |
| Council Seats | Three competitive races, four unopposed |
| Incumbents | One incumbent in uncontested races: Maura Wroblewski (District 1) |
| Take Office Date | November 3 |
| Runoff Elections | September 23 if necessary |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Athens, Madison, Decatur Municipal Elections
- Axios: Madison Election Coverage
- WHNT: Madison Mayoral Candidates Speak
- MSN: Madison Mayoral Candidates Gearing Up
- City of Madison: Election Commission Orders
- Wikipedia: Elections in Wisconsin
- Google Search: Madison Municipal Elections 2025
- Google Scholar: Madison Elections 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Google News: Madison Elections
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
