The Limestone County Democratic Party is inviting the public to attend a campaign kickoff event Monday at the party’s headquarters.

It will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the party’s headquarters, 22143 U.S. 72 East (next to Buffalo Wild Wings). The event coincides with Monday being the first day candidates can begin qualifying.

Candidates who have already announced include:

• Sheriff: Mike Blakely (incumbent);

• Coroner: Mike West (incumbent); and

• Limestone Commission District 3: Hanu Karapalum (challenger).

Party Chairman Mike Smith said the party is fielding good candidates who have the best interests of their constituents at heart, and who have the ability and inclination to do the job. He added the local party would provide support, including logistics and training, for each candidate they sponsor.

“You will not be in this alone,” he said.

The 6th and 25th Alabama House districts, and the 1st and 3rd Alabama Senate districts are open and will appear on Limestone County ballots in 2018. Anyone interested in running, or in recommending a candidate, may pick up qualifying information at Monday’s event.

Smith said the event would also provide the public an opportunity to meet and talk to the people who will represent them in 2018.

“There are real issues affecting real people in their everyday lives that have not been adequately addressed,” Smith said. “The people deserve better.”

The qualifying period for candidates will end Feb. 9. Limestone County Democrats, along with their other 5th congressional district companions, have committed to “fill the ballot” with Democratic candidates by the deadline.