What Selma and Dallas County Voters Need to Know about the August 11 Special Primary
Dallas County voters already cast ballots on May 19 — and on August 11, they’ll head back for a second time this year to vote in the Selma-Dallas County special primary and weigh in on the 7th Congressional District race. If that’s left you wondering why this election exists at all, you’re not alone. Here’s the short version, plus what’s actually on your Dallas County ballot.
Why is there a special primary?
Alabama’s congressional district lines changed this year for four districts, including District 7. The Alabama state legislature changed the lines after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling made it harder to challenge racially discriminatory voting maps and opened the door for the state to adopt a new map. Because the lines changed, the primary held in May under the old map no longer counts, so it’s being redone under the new one.
Foot Soldiers Park believes this ruling is a serious setback for Black voters. The new map that the Alabama state legislature adopted is one another federal court had previously found weakened Black voting strength in Alabama. That makes it even more important that eligible voters in this district turn out for elections and make their voice heard.
Selma-Dallas County is part of District 7, which is why voters here are back at the polls on August 11.
What’s on the Dallas County ballot August 11th
For most Dallas County voters, this is a one-race ballot: people will select the Republican candidate for U.S. Representative, District 7. The choices are:
- Ammie Akin – an educator and entrepreneur with nearly 25 years in classrooms, school leadership, and higher education, running on rural healthcare, agriculture, broadband, and reducing federal spending.
- David Perry – a community-service advocate focused on transparency in government, economic development, public safety, and expanded mental health services.
There’s no Democratic primary to vote in. Congresswoman Terri Sewell, a Selma native seeking her ninth term, is the only certified Democratic candidate for District 7, so she moves straight to the November 3 general election unopposed in the primary.
Whoever wins the Republican primary will face Sewell in November. The district hasn’t sent a Republican to Congress in more than six decades.
A few things worth double-checking before you vote
Because this is a standalone special primary, a few of the usual rules work a little differently:
- You can pick either party’s ballot, regardless of which ballot you voted in May – Democrat or Republican, your choice, made fresh at the polls.
- Voter registration deadline: Monday, July 27, 2026 (already passed – if you’re registered, you’re set)
- Absentee ballot application deadline: received by Tuesday, August 4 (mail) or Thursday, August 6 (hand-delivered)
- Hand-delivered absentee ballots are due on Monday August 10, by close of business.
- Mailed absentee ballots must arrive by noon on Election Day, August 11.
- Bring a physical photo ID. Digital IDs aren’t accepted at the polls.
- Bring a physical photo ID. Digital IDs aren’t accepted at the polls.
Polls are open 7:00am to 7:00pm on August 11.
Get the full picture
Foot Soldiers Park is releasing a full election guide with candidate detail, absentee voting instructions, and know-your-rights information for Dallas County voters. We do not endorse candidates — our goal is simply to make sure every eligible voter in Selma-Dallas County has what they need to cast an informed vote.
Get the Selma and Dallas County Special Primary Election 2026 Guide
The guide is available digitally and in print.
Printed copies: Contact Foot Soldiers Park at frances@footsoldierspark.org to request printed guides or to find out about distribution in your neighborhood.
Need a ride to the polls?
Foot Soldiers Park is ready to help. If transportation is a barrier to voting, contact us and we’ll work to connect you with a ride on Election Day. Getting to the polls should never be the reason someone doesn’t vote.
Reach us at frances@footsoldierspark.org or scan the QR code in the printed guide to fill out a ride request form.
Special Primary Election Day: August 11, 2026.
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