HAMILTON — The 2026 elections this year will be held on Tuesday, May 19.
The Journal-Record is offering candidates the option to run profiles beginning Wednesday, Feb. 4, through Wednesday, April 22.
The JR has set guidelines for free political profiles to be published in its print edition, which is also reproduced in a digital edition. Free profiles will be published on a first-come, first-serve basis. You may begin submitting your profile now. Free profiles must be turned in by candidates who want it run before the elections no later than Thursday, April 16, at 5 p.m.
The JR will run one local announcement free-of-charge for candidates, along with a head shot. This free announcement will run only once and is limited to 350 words.
“Anyone who wishes to publish a story that runs more than 350 words is welcome to run a paid political display advertisement,” said publisher Horace Moore.
Front page advertisements are available at a set rate. The front page advertisements will run up to five inches, including the photo and headline, with the story continued inside. The front page announcements will be limited to a first-come, first-serve basis, and only one front page announcement will run per newspaper edition. These spots fill quickly, so call 205-921-3104 if you are interested in obtaining one of these spots.
All paid political advertisements must be paid in advance and report at the bottom of the ad who has paid for the advertisement, including a complete address and the name of the committee chairman, if applicable.
All profile material is to be turned in typed, not handwritten, and preferably emailed when possible to JR General Manager P.J. Gossett at peter@myjrpaper.com. Documents on CD and USB flash drives brought to the newspaper will be accepted.
High resolution digital photos in JPG format will be accepted. The JR reserves the right to reject a photo that does not meet its standards. A member of the JR staff will make appropriate photos for $10.
The policy does not prevent news coverage of incumbents or the candidates as part of regular news coverage. Some items, such as check presentation photos, may be delayed for publication if the JR feels scheduling is purposefully close to the election date for political reasons.
Anyone wanting more details about the free profiles may call Gossett at 205-921-3104 or send him an email at peter@myjrpaper.com.
Anyone wanting to know more details about political advertising may call the JR Advertising Manager Erin Williams at 205-921-3104 or e-mail her at jradmanager@yahoo.com.
Election
information
At the federal level, elections are for U.S. senator and U.S. house of representatives (7 seats).
At the state level, elections are for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, commissioner of agriculture and industries, state senator, state representative, state board of education (districts 2, 4, 6 and 8), court of criminal appeals judges (place 4 and 5), court of civil appeals judges (place 4 and 5), circuit court judges (various), district court judges (various) and public service commission (place 1 and 2).
At the county level, sheriff, circuit judge (one of two positions), revenue commissioner, all five seats of the county commission and place 1 of the Marion County Board of Education.
Other important dates for the primary election are as follows: May 4 - voter registration deadline; May 12 - last day to apply for an absentee ballot to mail (May 14 in person); May 18 - last day to hand-deliver absentee ballot; May 29 - primary runoff election, if necessary; Nov. 3 - general election.
See complete story in the Journal Record.
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