Tuscaloosa Will Hold Special Election for District 5
The city will vote on December 8, 2026, to fill the vacancy left by the late Councilman Kip Tyner.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
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Tuscaloosa will host a special election on December 8, 2026, to select a new representative for the District 5 council seat. This vacancy follows the death of longtime council member Kip Tyner, who passed away on September 18, 2026, at age 70.
Why it matters
The upcoming election ensures that the constituents of District 5 will regain representation on the City Council. The move maintains the city's governance structure following the loss of Tyner, who served as council president.
The special election is scheduled for December 8, 2026, with polling hours set from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Candidates may begin filing their intent to qualify on October 13, 2026.
The players
Kip Tyner
He was a 70-year-old councilman who served as the representative for District 5 and as the council president.
Raevan Howard
She is a city council member currently serving her third term and was elected to the position of president pro tempore.
Tuscaloosa City Council
This is the governing legislative body responsible for managing municipal affairs and scheduling local elections.
The details
Residents of District 5 can cast absentee ballots either by mail or in person at Tuscaloosa City Hall. Voting will take place at the Alberta Baptist Church, and the council has also elected Raevan Howard to serve as president pro tempore during this transition.
Timeline
Sept. 18, 2026: Kip Tyner passed away.
Oct. 13, 2026: The candidate qualifying period begins.
Oct. 27, 2026: The candidate qualifying period ends.
Nov. 3, 2026: Absentee voting becomes available for residents.
Dec. 8, 2026: The special election will be held.
Market Landscape
This election follows the mandates outlined in the Tuscaloosa municipal charter's vacancy procedures, which dictate how special elections are organized after a council member's death. The process ensures continuity of governance for the city's municipal districts.
District 5 residents will be able to cast their votes for a new representative on December 8, 2026. Voters should prepare to utilize the Alberta Baptist Church as their designated polling location or contact City Hall for absentee ballot information.
The takeaway
The upcoming election provides an essential opportunity for District 5 voters to shape their local representation. Residents should mark the specified qualification and voting deadlines to ensure their participation in the process.
What happens next
Candidate qualifying for the seat begins on October 13, 2026, and concludes on October 27, 2026, followed by the start of absentee voting on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership changes in the Tuscaloosa People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBMA.
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