DIAMONDHEAD — The four candidates running for a south Mississippi seat say they are worried that turnout will be low on Tuesday.
The special election falls between a municipal runoff and a general election, The Sun Herald reported.
Attorney Patricia H. Willis, fourth-grade teacher Sherri Carr Bevis, federal retiree Grant Bower and insurance salesman Tommy Ballard are running to complete the term of the late Rep. Jessica Upshaw of Diamondhead, who died in March.
Ballard is from Gulfport and the others from Diamondhead.
Campaign finance reports filed last week show that Willis and Bevis have raised the most money. Willis’ $47,400 includes $25,000 from herself. Bevis has raised $13,785. Bower has spent about $3,400 of his own money and did not report any contributions. Ballard’s campaign reported $1,795 in donations.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. in the district, which covers Diamondhead and parts of Harrison and Hancock counties. Party affiliations don’t appear on ballots for special elections.
A runoff would be June 18. The winner would have to run for re-election in 2015.
Upshaw was found dead March 24 at the Mendenhall home of former State Rep. Clint Rotenberry. Law enforcement officials said she apparently shot herself.
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