The Republican primary runoff election in House District 74 in Montgomery is today.
Former Montgomery School Board President Charlotte Meadows faces Montgomery area attorney and JAG Michael Fritz.
The winner of the Republican primary runoff will face former Montgomery NAACP President Rayford Mack in the general election.
“I will be a responsive and transparent representative, and I am excited about the opportunity to serve the people of District 74,” Meadows said on her Facebook page. “I hope to earn your support through this campaign, and I hope you’ll check back on our Facebook page for more information and volunteer opportunities.”
Meadows has been an advocate for education reform for the past 15 years. Meadows has a degree in accounting from Auburn University and a master’s degree in business from University of South Alabama. She served on the Montgomery school board and has been the outreach director for StudentsFirst, a national education reform non-profit. Meadows is co-owner of her husband’s medical practice where she has been the business manager. They have three children.
Meadows is an outspoken proponent of school choice in Alabama and is co-founder of the new LEAD Academy charter school that opened in Montgomery on Aug. 15.
“Today was exhilarating to say the least,” Meadows said on the day of the grand opening. “Thank you to everyone who came and participated in LEAD Academy’s ribbon cutting and open house today. Our community has surrounded us with support, and we would not have been able to do this without each of you. Monday begins a new chapter in education in the city of Montgomery, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Meadows has the endorsements of both ALFA and the Alabama Forestry Association.
Michael Fritz is a Lieutenant Colonel and Judge Advocate General in the United States Army Reserves.
Fritz promises on his Facebook page that he “will address job creation, neighborhood revitalization, a stronger focus on workforce development in public schools and crime safety.”
Fritz said his experience through serving on local non-profit boards, community clubs, teaching and working with clients has given him a unique perspective and ability to engage members of the community.
Fritz is the past president of the Capital City Kiwanis Club, adjunct professor at Auburn University-Montgomery, member of First Baptist Church, the founder of the Montgomery Ultimate Frisbee Club and is a board member of the Lagoon Park Trail and the Montgomery City-County Public Library. Fritz and his wife have two adult sons.
This legislative seat became vacant when State Rep. Dimitri Polizos passed away from a sudden heart attack in March.
The special general election will follow on Nov. 12.
Aug. 27 is the same day as the Montgomery mayoral election, so most Republicans will need to vote on two ballots, a Republican primary runoff ballot and a nonpartisan city election ballot.
The Montgomery mayoral and city council election are also today so Republican primary voters will need to get ballots for both this partisan election and the nonpartisan city elections. Be prepared to give yourself extra time to vote.
To participate in any Alabama election, you must bring a valid photo ID with you to the polls. If you do not have a valid photo ID, you can get a free voter ID from your local board of registrars’ office. You may vote only at your assigned polling place. If you are not registered to vote, there is no same day voter registration in Alabama.
Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
