Those wishing to run for a Liberty County commission seat in 2026 are going to have fork over more in qualifying fees.

County commissioners agreed to set the qualifying fees in next year’s elections, when districts 1, 2 and 3 on the county commission and the board of education’s districts 4, 5 and 6 and the chair position will be up for election.

Under state law, the county commission seats’ qualifying fees — now at $504 — are based on 3% of the base salary and any supplements.

Marion Stevens, the current District 1 commissioner, and Justin Frasier, the District 2 commissioner, declared their intentions to run again for their seats at the county’s December 2 meeting. Connie Thrift is the District 3 commissioner.

Qualifying for the school board posts will be $180. The current chair is Verdell Jones. Natalie Hines holds the District 4, Dr. Chante Baker Martin represents District 5 and Donita Strickland represents District 6.

Qualifying will be held March 2–6, ending at noon on March 6.