Voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide races for the District 37 House of Representatives seat, as well as several judicial races across the area.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Andy Boyd and David Chism, both of Lowndes County, are facing off in a special election to fill Rep. Lynn Wright’s seat in the House. Wright passed away in June. The district includes parts of Lowndes, Clay and Oktibbeha counties.
Three 16th Circuit judge positions will be on every ballot in Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay and Noxubee counties. Two of those will see a new judge take the bench.
In Place 1, Jim Kitchens, the only incumbent circuit judge running, is facing challenger Chuck Easley. Both candidates are from Lowndes County.
Four Clay County residents are running for Place 3: Trina Davidson-Brooks, Mark Cliett, Michelle Easterling and Bennie Jones Jr. The winner will take the seat of Lee Coleman, who did not seek re-election.
In Place 2, Lee “Jay” Howard, of Oktibbeha County, is running unopposed for the Place 2 seat. He is replacing his father, Lee Howard, who chose not to run again.
Oktibbeha County voters will also have a county court judge race on the ballot. Charles Bruce Brown, C. Marty Haug and Lee Ann Turner are all vying for the newly created seat.
Due to Oktibbeha County’s population growth since the 2010 census, it is required by state laws to have a county court to oversee both civil and criminal cases with a dollar range between $3,500 and $200,000.
Clay County voters will decide a special Place 2 constable election between Albert “Whoodie” Lee and James “Jimmy” McKee. In Noxubee County, a special election for tax collector/assessor will be decided between Valerie Brooks-Harris and Shaquita Hampton-Phillips.
Two U.S. House races will also appear on area ballots. Republican incumbent Trent Kelly faces Democrat Dianne Black in the 1st District, which includes all of Lowndes and Clay counties, as well as a part of western Oktibbeha. In the 3rd District, which includes most of Oktibbeha and all of Noxubee County, Republican incumbent Michael Guest faces Democrat Shuwaski A. Young.
VOTING INFO
■ POLLING LOCATIONS: https://www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting/polling-place-locator
■CANDIDATE INFO: Sunday’s Dispatch included a Voters Guide. Copies available at Columbus office or online at cdispatch.com/eedition
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion