Poll workers Darlene Ferguson, left, Mary Bolton and Evelyn Williams assist James and Betty Swearingen as they sign in to vote Tuesday morning in Hickory.

Traffic at polling stations was slow but steady on Tuesday, as the polls were open for the Republican and Democratic primaries.

Voters were choosing among candidates for U.S. Senate races and candidates for the 3rd Congressional District.

Voting, which began at 7 a.m., was light in the city of Meridian. As of 8:15 a.m. only three people had voted at the Lauderdale County Annex Building.

But by midday, the number of voters had increased, particularly at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Poplar Springs Drive.

“It’s our civic duty, one of the few responsibilities we have as Mississippians,” said Jon Van Drunen of Meridian, who said he voted for Republican congressional candidate Perry Parker and Senate incumbent Roger Wicker.

Trudy Nix of Meridian said she votes every election cycle because she’s been doing it since she was 18 years old.

“You just don’t pass that up, because in a lot of countries you can’t vote,” Nix said.

Shayne Garrett, also of Meridian, said voting is her duty.

“You can’t complain about the government if you don’t choose who you want to be in office,” Garrett said.

The candidates in the House of Representatives primary are Republicans Sally Doty, Morgan Dunn, Michael Guest, Whit Hughes, Perry Parker and Katherine “Bitzi” Tate, while Democrats Michael Aycox and Michael Ted Evans are vying for the Democratic nomination.

In the Senate, incumbent Roger Wicker is facing challenger Richard Boyanton. Democrats include David Baria, Jensen Bohren, Jerone Garland, Victor G. Maurice, Omeria Scott, and Howard Sherman.

A runoff, if necessary, will be held on June 26. A runoff is required between the top two candidates unless one candidate gets a majority.