Let election season begin.

Qualifying for municipal offices begins Tuesday, with only nine days in the period because of the?July 4 holiday.

In Atmore, three candidates have already tossed their hats in the ring for mayor — Jim Staff, Bernard Bishop and Lloyd Albritton. Each is vying to replace retiring Mayor Howard Shell.

Qualifying ends at 5 p.m. July 17.

Those interested in qualifying for any seat on the council or for the mayor’s office must file qualification forms in order to be placed on the ballot.

Candidates must have been a resident in the city limits for at least 90 days before qualifying, and they must have been a registered voter in

the city for at least 30 days before qualifying.

Municipal elections will be held Aug. 28 with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.