AlbanyNot a ballot

Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Albany Mayor & City Council Election 2026

6 of 6 council seats are on the ballot, with 13 candidates running. Updated Oct 21, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check

Not sure who to vote for? Answer 5 questions and see which candidates agree with you, and why.

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Nov 3Election Day

How to vote · 11 days left

Find where to voteCheck your registration
Early voting begins (Oct 29): the election office's notice

These links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

Voters choose one candidate for Mayor and may vote for up to six City Council candidates; the six with the most votes win.

Early voting begins · Oct 29

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Also on your Nov 3 ballot

We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.

Official voter lookupState voter guideVote411 (League of Women Voters)

Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.

What the next council decides

01New water treatment plant3 sourced facts

Where it standsAlbany has $55.8 million in grants and low-interest loans for a new water treatment plant, more than the original estimate of about $40 million for the plant alone.

What's on the tableHow to build the plant and how to use funds left over for related water system work.

02Water sold to Cumberland County3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city agreed in June 2026 to refund $130,461.58 to the Cumberland Water District, and in October 2026 voted to seek a higher wholesale water rate.

What's on the tableWhat Albany charges the Cumberland Water District for water, subject to Public Service Commission approval.

03Water meters and billing3 sourced facts

Where it standsNew water meters are being installed, and new residential customers must give a Social Security number or pay a $200 deposit.

What's on the tableWater rates, deposits and how the city collects unpaid bills.

04Nuisance properties3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council has pursued a lien on a property on the Tennessee Shortcut under the city's nuisance ordinance.

What's on the tableHow hard to enforce the nuisance ordinance through fines, cleanup and liens.

05City finances and council pay3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council adopted a $6,584,900 budget for 2025-26 and in October 2026 set the property tax rate at the compensating rate.

What's on the tableBudgets, tax rates and whether to raise pay for council members.

06City hall building2 sourced facts

Where it standsCity hall and the water department moved to a leased building on Burkesville Road after black mold was found in the old building.

What's on the tableWhether and how to renovate the old city hall on Cross Street.

2 notes on these statements

Randy Speck, a current council member, is running for mayor, and council member Reed Sloan is not seeking reelection, so at least two new council members will serve from January 2027. Clinton County News · Jun 10, 2026

The City Council appointed James F. Bray mayor in January 2024 after Mayor Steve Lawson resigned, citing health issues. Clinton County News · Jan 4, 2024

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Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

  1. 1. Should Albany raise the price it charges the Cumberland Water District for water?

  2. 2. Should new water customers have to give a Social Security number or pay a deposit?

  3. 3. How should the city deal with owners who leave junk and debris on their property?

  4. 4. Should council pay rise from $350 to $500 a month?

  5. 5. Should the city pay for a forensic audit of its finances?

Seat the councilSeat the Council →Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.On the recordHow the council voted7 council decisions, each member's vote side by side, with a link to the minutes.

Key dates

The seat math

0 stay (not up this year): 6 on this ballot

6 council seats plus a mayor who doesn't vote on council items. The council decides by a 4-vote majority.

Every claim here links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works

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