A run-off election April 12 will decide who will represent District 1 on the Dallas County Commission.

During the March 1 primary, incumbent Connel Towns Sr. earned 47.3 percent of the vote in a three-candidate race.

Towns will be in a run-off with Valerie Reubin, who garnered 33.9 percent of the vote.

Towns said he would continue to work to advance the county if re-elected.

“I want to change the way of our community and work to bring jobs and better education for our children to Selma and Dallas County,” Towns said. “I’m getting out there and encouraging people to get back to the polls on April 12 for the run-off.”

Towns has served as county commissioner of District 1 for more than 15 years.

He said another priority would be to reduce crime.

“I want to work with our sheriff and city police department to try to come up with a solution to stop the violence in our community,” Towns said.

Reubin said she wants to bring some new ideas to the county commission.

“I will come with a fresh start and give my best effort to address concerns and represent all of the citizens of District 1,” Reubin said.

She said she is working toward getting as many votes as she can for the run-off election.

“I’m getting out in the community and campaigning more. Some of the areas that I didn’t get a chance to go to in campaigning for the primary election, I will make sure to visit this time and go door-to-door to talk to people,” Reubin said.

She said her experience in the primary was good considering it was her first time seeking public office.

“I was surprised by the votes and support I got. I expect the run-off election to go good and I think I have a good chance. People are ready for a change,” Reubin said.

Those who need to vote by absentee ballots will have to apply by 4:30 p.m. on April 7 People who have medical and business emergencies have until close of business on April 11.

Applications must be filed in the office of the Absentee Election Manager/Circuit Clerk not less than five days prior to the Election. The office is located at the Dallas County Courthouse in room 204 at 105 Lauderdale St. in Selma.

Ballots must be accompanied with a copy of current valid photo identification and voter must return them in person. They can be mailed, but must be postmarked no later than one day prior to the election and receive no later than April 11 and received in the office no later than noon on April 12, the day of run-off elections.

The mailing address is Dallas County Absentee Election Manager, P.O. Box 327, Selma, AL, 36702. Office hours are Mondays-Fridays from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.