Tuscaloosa announces special election for District 5 seat

The Tuscaloosa City Council has announced a special municipal election to fill the District 5 seat following the death of longtime Councilor and City Council President Kip Tyner on September 18. Tyner, who was 70, had served since 1997 and was in his seventh consecutive term.

The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Alberta Baptist Church. Candidates interested in the position have a two-week qualifying period starting Tuesday, October 13, and ending Tuesday, October 27, at 5 p.m.

Absentee voting is set to begin on November 3 through the Tuscaloosa City Clerk’s Office, with the final day to apply for a regular absentee ballot being December 3. Alabama law requires voters to provide an eligible reason to vote absentee.