Qualifying is under way for both the Democratic and Republican parties for candidates seeking office in their respective primaries, set for June 5, 2018.

Offices on the ballot in 2018 include probate judge, sheriff, county board of education, circuit clerk, circuit judge, Alabama House of Representatives – District 92, and Alabama Senate – District 31.

Circuit Judge Charles A. “Lex” Short, who has served as circuit judge since 2001, has qualified to seek re-election. Short is not expected to have opposition.

Announced candidates for sheriff include incumbent Dennis Meeks and challengers Nickey Carnley, Blake Turman and Terry Craig.

Rep. Mike Jones Jr., R-Andalusia, has announced his intentions to seek re-election, as has Sen. Jimmy Holley, R-Elba. Holley has already qualified with the state party. Neither has announced opposition.

U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, who represents south Alabama in Washington, has not yet qualified. Roby has two announced challengers, Barry Moore, who represents Coffee County in the Alabama House of Representatives, and Rich Hobson, who most recently chaired Roy Moore’s campaign for U.S. Senate.

Qualifying ends at 5 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 9, 2018, for both parties.

Those wishing to qualify as Republicans should contact Covington County Republican Party Chairman William Blocker at 334-804-5106.

Those wishing to qualify as Democrats should contact Covington County Democratic Party Chairman Billy Hughes at 334-473-8458.