Chief Elections Official Carol Heard announced the candidates who qualified for the City of Bainbridge special election and contested regular election on Friday. The candidates will fill the vacated seat of Derik McDowell in District A, Seat 2 and the contested seat of District B, Seat 5.

Five people have qualified for McDowell’s seat. Kevin E. Bruton, Kenneth Ellison, Ted Lee, Sylvia Washington and Jacob Gilstrap.

Gilstrap, who has lived in Decatur County for 37 years, ran against McDowell in the November election, where he came up just short. He works as a maintenance technician and is hoping for a different result in this general municipal election.

Washington will be one of the few facing off against Gilstrap. She has lived in Decatur County for 59 years and is a retired social worker. Lee will also be a contender. He is retired and has lived in Decatur County for 20 years. Ellison is additionally vying for the position. He is currently a police officer and has lived in Decatur County for 18 years.

Last, Bruton is hoping to gain a seat. He is a well-known mortician in the area and has lived in Decatur County for 45 years.

Councilwoman Roslyn Palmer holds the District B, Seat 5. However, this year Emory Middleton is running against her.

Palmer took to Facebook to start her re-election campaign, where she said she has her running shoes on and is hoping she can count on everyone to get out and vote for her.

Middleton has been a resident of Decatur County for 60 years and works at the Post Office. He said he is hoping to see people get out and vote for this election; it’s not a matter of winning or losing he just wants people to exercise their right to vote.

Middleton hopes to see his wish come true on November 5, when the election is held.

Early voting will only be held at the Elections Office at the Courthouse Annex, located at 122 W. Water Street.

The Fairgrounds will not be used for advance voting, but will continue to be a regular polling location for those registered in that precinct.

Early voting will begin Monday, October 14 and continue through Friday, November 1. Hours for advance voting will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. on Election Day and the West Bainbridge polling location will now be located at the School Support Center, 507 Martin Street.