Primary election: Register to vote by May 4

RUSSELLVILLE — The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming primary election is approaching for Franklin County residents.

May 4 is the last day to register, according to the Alabama Secretary of State’s election calendar. The primary election will be held on May 19.

Residents may register at the county board of registrars office in the courthouse, or online through the Secretary of State’s website. Voters must bring a valid form of identification and they will be asked to choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot at the polls.

Additional deadlines leading up to the primary election are:

• May 12 is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail.

• May 14 is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person.

• May 18 is the last day to hand deliver an absentee ballot.

• May 19 absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon. Local races on the ballot include:

• Franklin County Commission District 1 — On the Republican ballot are Curtis Baker, Jeffrey D. Fleming, Judson Miles Gaston, Grayson Murray and Joey Norton.

• Franklin County Sheriff — On the Republican ballot are Shannon Oliver and Brian Shackelford.

• Franklin County Coroner — On the Republican ballot are Charles Adcox and Jeff Clark. In addition to candidate races, some voters will see local questions on their ballot. Residents in Fire District No. 10 in Belgreen and Fire District No. 11 in Frog Pond will vote on whether to approve a $3 monthly fire protection fee collected with property taxes.