August 23, 2023, Yvette Mendoza
To gain a deeper understanding of Huntsville’s City Government and community, the LEAP Ambassadors attended this year’s 2023 city election ballot-order drawing. Held at the Huntsville Public Library, this event not only was a civic ritual of sorts, but also allowed us to explore the library’s art collection and the different library departments.
City Secretary Kristy Doll coordinated the event, while Mayor Brauninger was the person who, literally, pulled the names from the box. This lottery determines the names on the ballot, which interestingly, can actually make a difference in an election, as noted in research conducted by SHSU Professor Darren Grant.
Mayor Brauninger’s first selections addressed ballot order for Mayor, with Russell Humphrey winning the top “spot” and candidate John Jafreh drawing second the slot. For Councilmember of Ward 2, the order came in as: Casey Cox and Yolanda M. Scott. In Ward 3, where three candidates are vying for Council, the order came in as: Russell Barnett, Benjamin J. Sessions, and Anissa Antwine. Wards 1 and 4 are unopposed. Although this entire process took only a few minutes, it was fascinating to witness, and interesting to see the lengths that municipalities (and other governing entities) go to ensure fairness.
What proved even more captivating was the tour conducted by our colleague and LEAP Ambassador, Jessica Cuevas, who had previously interned at the Huntsville Public Library. It was a great experience for Olivia Discon and me to explore the Genealogy room where Jessica previously worked. The room housed an array of historical documents and textbooks donated to the genealogy department across the country.
Our visit not only enhanced our knowledge of city government and the genealogy department but also allowed us to appreciate the exquisite artwork displayed throughout the library, much of which had strong ties to Huntsville. We marveled at the Austin Hall drawing, David Adickes’ painting “Three Friends with Birds,” and the work of Lee Jamison, a renowned East Texas artist, “Virginia Gibbs Smith Gathering Place Jamison.”
This event was filled with valuable insights into the election ballot system, a journey through our city’s public library, and an appreciation of the artistic heritage that enriches our community!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 