Qualifying officially began Tuesday and many of the candidates who have announced campaigns have already been qualified. Candidates that haven’t already qualified will have until July 19 to qualify for the August 23 election.

Troy City Clerk Alton Starling said that current councilmembers Greg Meeks, Marcus Paramore and Dejerilyn Henderson have all qualified to run for reelection. Wanda Moultry also qualified for the District 5 seat currently held by Henderson. Robert Jones and Anthony Jackson have both qualified for the District 1 seat that is being vacated by Charlie “Sarge” Dunn. Nobody has yet qualified for the District 4 seat that John Witherington is vacating, but Stephanie Campbell is campaigning for the seat.

Brundidge City Clerk Britt Thomas qualified several candidates Tuesday for the city’s mayoral race. Incumbent Jimmy Ramage has not said if he will seek re-election.

Four hopefuls cast their hats in the ring for the city leadership on the council and qualified on Monday: Council member Cynthia Pearson, longtime Pike County Commissioner Charlie Harris, former council member Lawrence Bowden and Johnny Ross, who is running for the second time.

Pearson, District 4, has been a member of the Brundidge City Council for 24 years, said she has worked hard and has attended meetings that would prepare her for the mayor’s position.

“There is some division in the community and I would like to be the one to spearhead the efforts to being the community back together by working with the council,” Pearson said. “No one can do it by themselves. We have to work together.”

Bowden said he is proud to be a citizen of Brundidge and wants to be a part of the continued growth of his city.

“I believe my background places me in a good position to build on the past successes of our city and to lead it to a great future,” Bowden said. “I served eight years on the Brundidge City Council and have a strong background in state government and in the military. I’m a member of several local community and service organizations. I believe I have the background to do a good job in leading the city.”

Attempts to reach Harris and Ross for comment were not successful.

Municipal elections in Troy Brundidge, Banks and Goshen will all take place on August 23. Voters looking to vote by absentee ballot will need to contact their city clerk to apply for a ballot. Absentee ballots will be available about a week after qualifying ends. The absentee voting deadline is August 18. Residents should contact their city clerks to request ballots or for more information about voting absentee.