The qualifying period for the 2025 municipal elections in Mississippi is underway for candidates that wish to throw their name into the hat, including in Newton County and the surrounding area. Up for grabs will be aldermen and mayoral seats in Newton, Decatur, Hickory, Union, Chunky, Sebastopol, and Lake.
The qualifying period began on Thursday, Jan. 2 and runs through Friday, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m. Those who wish to qualify can pick up and turn in paperwork at the office of their municipality’s city clerk before the deadline.
Qualifying candidates should be a resident of their municipality for at least two years. If running as an independent, candidates are required to provide petitions with 50 signatures if running for mayor and a certain percentage of signatures for an alderman position (dependent on the municipalities population).
If candidates are running as democrat or republican, they are charged a fee. No petitions are required.
Other key dates for the 2025 Municipal Elections
Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline: March 3
Primary Election Day: April 1
Primary Runoff Day: April 22
General Election Voter Registration Deadline: May 5
General Election Day: June 3
Municipal Officers’ Terms Begin: July 1
