Qualifying is underway for the 2026 primary elections, which will be held on Tuesday, May 19. The Times-Record is offering candidates the option to run candidate profiles through Wednesday, March 25. The TimesRecord 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. Candidates can start running their profiles on Friday Jan. 30, 2026. Free profiles must be turned in by candidates who want it ran before the elections no later than Friday, March 20, at 5 p.m.
The Times-Record will run one local announcement free-of-charge per candidate, 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-served basis, and only one front page announcement will run per newspaper edition. These spots fill quickly, so call (205) 932-6271 if you are interested in obtaining one.
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 The Times-Record News Editor Jami Olive at trnews77@outlook.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 TimesRecord reserves the right to reject a photo that does not meet its standards. A member of The TimesRecord staff will make appropriate photos free of cost.
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 Times-Record feels scheduling is purposefully close to the election date for political reasons. Anyone wanting more details about the free profiles may call the office at (205) 932-6271. Anyone wanting to know more details about political advertising, may call The Times-Record Advertising Director Gina Lynn at (205) 932-6271 or email her at tradvertising77@outlook.com.
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