Election Season Begins on the Gulf Coast, Here’s What You Need to Know

OBA Staff • June 26, 2025

Key City Races in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are on the Ballot on August 26

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach and Gulf Shores voters will head to the polls for the 2025 Municipal Election on Tuesday, August 26. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in both cities.

Voters in Orange Beach will cast their ballots at the Orange Beach Event Center, located at 4671 Wharf Parkway West. A run-off election, if needed, will be held on Tuesday, September 23. Details on the Gulf Shores election can be found below.

Since January 1, 2024, Precinct 41 voters have cast their ballots at the Orange Beach Event Center. The Orange Beach Community Center is no longer used as a polling location. Ono Island is not in the city limits of Orange Beach and residents do not vote in city elections.

The 2025 election includes races for mayor and five city council seats. Terms last four years. Due to Alabama Senate Bill 119, municipal elections were shifted back one year, extending current terms to 2025. This change was signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey in 2021.

Candidates Qualified for the 2025 Orange Beach Municipal Election:

Mayor

Jeffrey M. Boyd
Tony Kennon

City Council Place #1

Tom Conerly
Jack Robertson

City Council Place #2

Ginger Harrelson
Annette Mitchell
Matt Wilson

City Council Place #3

Jerry Johnson
Jay Neese

City Council Place #4

Jeffrey H. Silvers

City Council Place #5

JoJo McCarron
Robert Stuart II

Residents must be registered to vote at least 14 days before the election. The last day to register is August 11, 2025. To vote in Orange Beach, residents must have lived within the city limits by July 27, 2025.

Voter registration can be completed or updated online at the Alabama Secretary of State’s website. Absentee ballot applications are also available through the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or by mail.

August 19 is the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail. August 21 is the last day to hand-deliver an absentee ballot application. Additional details can be found on the city’s website or by contacting the City Clerk.

For specific deadlines and dates, please refer to the Municipal Election Calendar (pdf).

Gulf Shores Elections

Gulf Shores voters will return to the polls for the 2025 Municipal Election on Tuesday, August 26th. Several candidates are competing for mayor and city council seats. The election will be held at two polling locations in Gulf Shores. Voters should check their assigned polling place before Election Day.

The deadline to register to vote is Monday, August 11th. You can learn how to register to vote by clicking here. Residents who want to vote absentee can find instructions on how to request and return a ballot by clicking here. All information is available on the city’s election website.

Polling locations are assigned based on your home address. Voters should verify their designated site to avoid confusion on Election Day by clicking here. Municipal elections in Gulf Shores are managed by the city and follow state rules.

City of Gulf Shores 2025 Municipal Election Candidates as of June 23, 2025*

Mayor

Robert Craft (incumbent)
Ray Moore, Jr.
Angie Swiger

Council, Place No. 1

Austin "Coach" Boyd
Lucas Burger
Joe Garris (incumbent)

Council, Place No. 2

Jennifer Guthrie
Gary Sinak (incumbent)

Council, Place 3

Eric Bradley
Philip Harris (incumbent)

Council, Place No. 4

Jason Dyken (incumbent)
Joseph Marinaccio

Council, Place No. 5

Blair Castro
Stephen E. Jones (incumbent)

* Candidates must be approved by the Ethics Commission before being added to the official ballot. A final list will be posted on June 30, 2025, after the qualifying period ends.

Helpful Election Related Links

Secretary of State Information for Elections

Voter ID

Fair Campaign Practices Act

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share this article w/ Friends...

National Dive Bar Day: Which Is Your Favorite?

By OBA Staff • July 7, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — After such a busy weekend, it is natural to want a reprieve from the crowds. To sit down with other locals and have your favorite beverage. One of the best ways to return to normal is to visit your favorite dive bar.

One Airlifted After Motorcycle and Minivan Crash in Orange Beach

By OBA Staff • July 7, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Emergency crews responded to a crash in Orange Beach early Sunday morning that left at least one person with injuries. The accident involved a motorcycle and a minivan and happened on Canal Road near Wharf Parkway West. Police said the motorcyclist was airlifted from the scene by helicopter

Things to do this week in Gulf Shores, Foley and Orange Beach

Gulf Coast Calendar Offers Hands-On Fun, Local Culture

By Jessica A. Taylor • July 7, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — From dolphin tours to hot dog contests, the Alabama Gulf Coast is offering a diverse slate of activities this week for residents and visitors alike. As mid-July arrives, families, anglers, and art lovers will all find something on the calendar to enjoy.

Doc’s Seafood Shack Nears Opening in Foley

By John Mullen • July 7, 2025

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A second Doc’s Seafood Shack and the third restaurant in the Doc’s group, is closer to opening in Foley. The new restaurant is nearing completion in the southeast corner of the intersection of the South Juniper Street extension and County Road 20.

Gulf Shores to Review 300-Unit Housing Proposal

By John Mullen • July 7, 2025

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A new development containing 300 multi-family housing units and commercial uses on the Foley Beach Express will be discussed at the upcoming Gulf Shores City Council meeting. The site is just north of the new Gulf Shores High School and fronts the Foley Beach Express.

Orange Beach Hosts First-Ever Summer Soirée for Families

By OBA Staff • July 6, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A new family-friendly event is coming to Orange Beach this summer, offering a chance for kids and adults to share a special night out together. The inaugural Summer Soirée promises an evening of fun, music, and memories designed for both children and their parents.

Dauphin Island Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo - Scamp by Outdoor Alabama

Anglers Flock to Dauphin Island for the 92nd Deep Sea Rodeo

By OBA Staff • July 6, 2025

Dauphin Island, Ala. — (OBA) — Dauphin Island is preparing for one of the largest saltwater fishing tournaments in the world as the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo returns for its 92nd year. Organizers expect thousands of anglers and spectators to take part in the event from July 17 to July 20.

Celebrate the Outdoors on National Play Outside Day

By OBA Staff • July 5, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — July is National Park & Recreation Month—a nationwide celebration of the ways parks, green spaces, and outdoor activities contribute to healthier, more connected communities. From local trails and scenic bays to playgrounds and beaches, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers endless opportunities.

Orange Beach Fire Rescue Earns National CAAS Accreditation

By R. Ken Cooper • July 5, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Fire Rescue has achieved a rare and prestigious honor. On Monday, city officials learned that the department’s ambulance service is now fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS).

Happy 4th of July: Fireworks List and Fun Facts

By OBA Staff • July 4, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The 4th of July celebrates the birth of our great nation. The United States is officially 249 years old today. Enjoy the holiday safely and plan to attend one of the local fireworks shows below.