Madison County Residents Prepare for Critical Probate Judge Election

Madison County Residents Prepare for Critical Probate Judge Election

MADISON COUNTY, Ala. — As the election buzz fills the air, residents are gearing up for an important decision at the polls this Tuesday. Two candidates, the Republican incumbent Frank Barger and Libertarian Jeffrey Johnson, are vying for the role of probate judge, a position that impacts various community issues such as inheritance, mental health, adoption, and aging matters.

Understanding the Role of the Probate Judge

The probate court plays a vital role in the community, overseeing everything from family adoptions to elections. As the current probate judge, Frank Barger has dedicated the past six years to ensuring the court’s functions run smoothly. He emphasizes a strong focus on secure, transparent, and safe elections, stating, “We’ll continue our work on delivering secure, transparent, safe elections to our community.”

Barger first stepped into the probate office back in 2011 and has made significant strides during his tenure. One of his proudest accomplishments has been the introduction of poll pads that expedite the check-in process for voters, effectively reducing wait times on election day. “There’s something new that happens every day, a situation we encounter that’s new. We’re constantly looking at what can we do better, how we can serve the public better,” he expressed.

Innovative Initiatives by Frank Barger

Among his various initiatives, Barger has implemented a fast-track process for adoptions, prioritizing these cases over others. “We treat them as a priority over anything else outside of an emergency,” he noted. Additionally, he has developed a comprehensive mental health program aimed at preventing individuals who have faced involuntary commitments from needing legal intervention again. “We’re providing a continuum of care for those folks who are suffering with mental illness,” he explained about the 150-day program designed to help individuals manage their care and connect with relevant resources.

Jeffrey Johnson’s Vision for Change

Challenging Barger is Jeffrey Johnson, who brings a background in software development to the race. Johnson feels compelled to inspire change within the community, stating, “I just see a need for citizen legislators and judges and activists to step up and try to change something.” Aiming for increased election transparency, he proposes a return to simpler, less technological methods of ballot counting, suggesting that hand counts could ensure quicker results. “We did it up until the 50s by hand and had the results every Tuesday night, so I don’t see why we can’t do that now,” he remarked.

Improving the Probate Office Experience

Johnson also has ideas for enhancing the overall experience at the probate office. He wants to provide better estimates on how long residents can expect to wait during their appointments. “You have no idea if you’re five minutes away or 50 minutes away, and I’d like to revamp that to give you an estimate of how long you’d have to wait,” he said. This could allow folks to plan their visits more effectively—an idea that could be welcomed by many who find themselves in line.

Addressing Security Concerns

Another focus for Johnson includes reassessing security measures within the Madison County Service Center. He wants to stop treating every visitor as a potential criminal, suggesting that current security protocols can make lawful citizens feel unwelcome. “The first thing you do is go through the metal detector, and if you’re like me and you’ve had a conceal carry permit for almost 40 years, well, you’re disarmed,” he pointed out.

What’s Next for Voters

With both candidates offering distinct visions for the future of Madison County’s probate court, voters have an essential choice to make. As we get closer to election day, it’s a great time to check your registration status, polling locations, and ballot information. Be sure to get out there and make your voice heard!