The qualifying period for municipal races in Atmore began Tuesday for candidates in races ranging from City Council to mayor to officially get their names on the ballot.

As of press time on Friday, with seven business days left before qualifying ends Tuesday, July 17 at 5 p.m., nine candidates have gone through the process at Atmore City Hall. Candidates having qualified thus far include:

• Lloyd Albritton – candidate for mayor.

• Bernard Bishop – candidate for mayor.

• Jim Staff – candidate for mayor.

• Webb Nall – incumbent candidate for City Council, District 1.

• Chris Walker – incumbent candidate for City Council, District 3.

• Susan Smith – candidate for City Council, District 4.

• Gregg Akins – candidate for City Council, District 5.

• Michael Arnold – candidate for City Council, District 5.

• Chris Harrison – candidate for City Council, District 5.

In order to qualify for municipal races, potential candidates must pay a $50 fee at Atmore City Hall. They must also appoint themselves or two-to-three others as a committee; submit a waiver report if contributions and expenditures have not met the $1,000 threshold. Submit financial reports for ethics commission; meet the Fair Campaign Practices Act filing guide standards.

In total, 12 candidates formally announced their intentions to run for the mayoral seat or city council seats, leaving only three yet to qualify.