1971 Birmingham municipal election
The 1971 Birmingham municipal election was an at-large election for Mayor of Birmingham and to fill five seats on the Birmingham City Council. It was held on October 12, 1971, with a runoff on November 3.
The result was a markedly more liberal and progressive shift on the council, with the arrival of newcomers David Vann, Richard Arrington Jr and Angi Grooms Proctor. All three had campaigned on themes relating to empowering under-represented groups in City Hall. Vann had the backing of the Jefferson County Progressive Democratic Council while Arrington garnered endorsements from both The Birmingham News and Birmingham Post-Herald.
After the Council was installed, Don Hawkins was elected to serve as president.
Results
Mayor
- George Seibels won a second term without a run-off
City Council
- Don Hawkins won re-election to a four-year term
- Russell Yarbrough won re-election to a four-year term
Approximately 49,000 voters cast ballots in the run-off election. The top three vote-getters won council seats, with the third-place finisher required to run again in two years.
- David Vann, 32,710 votes
- Richard Arrington Jr, 29,415 votes
- Angi Grooms Proctor, 27,335 votes
References
- "New Birmingham City Council members." (November 4, 1971) Associated Press/Anniston Star