The election contest for the Office of Centreville Mayor is presently set for trial on the 26th day of February, 2026 in the Circuit Court of Bibb County. The election challenge was filed by former Mayor Mike Oakley vs. Barry Cooner, who took the office of Mayor in November 2025.
The former Mayor has alleged in his challenge that certain votes were cast in the election by ineligible voters and alleges certain absentee ballots cast were ineligible; and that these questioned votes changed the outcome of the election in Cooner’s favor. But for these votes the outcome would have favored Oakley, according to the written complaint.
Filings in the court case identify 3 absentee votes and challenges their compliance with Alabama Code 17-11-9, claiming they should not be counted. This provision of Alabama law sets out the process for filing an absentee ballot.
The challenger has also identified 6 votes cast by persons who allegedly do not comply with Alabama Code 11-46-38 (voter residency requirements) The challenger’s attorney has filed pre-trial witness and exhibit lists. Expected witnesses have been served with subpoenas compelling each to appear at trial.
Presiding Fourth Circuit Judge Marvin Wiggins will conduct the trial and process. Oakley is represented by Attorney Joel Blankenship of Bachus, Brom, and Taylor LLC. Cooner is represented by local attorney Michael L. Murphy.
