OUR VIEW: Preparing a voters' guide; candidates, we need your help

Tuesday’s election will give East Mississippi the chance to select their leadership for the upcoming year, including three congressional races and several judgeships.

Voters will be able to cast their ballots for their preferred candidates at their precinct location between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Voters are required to bring a photo identification to the polls.

A voter’s polling place can be found on their voter registration card. To check a polling location or learn more about voting in Tuesday’s elections, voters can call the Lauderdale County Circuit Court at (601) 482-9738. Election information can also be found on the Mississippi Secretary of State website www.sos.ms.gov/vote.

Senate

In the race to represent Mississippi in the U.S. Senate, incumbent Republican Roger Wicker faces three challengers: Democrat David Baria, Libertarian Danny Bedwell and Shawn O’Hara of the Reform Party.

Following long-time U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran’s retirement earlier this year, Gov. Phil Bryant appointed Cindy Hyde-Smith, the former state secretary of agriculture. Hyde-Smith will defend this seat from three challengers in a special election, which doesn’t include party labels.

Tobey Bernard Bartee, Mike Espy and Chris McDaniel all have entered their names into the race. If no contender wins 51 percent of the vote, the two candidates with the most votes will compete again in a runoff scheduled for Nov. 27. 

Gregg Harper decided not to return to Washington D.C. this year and retire from his seat as a U.S. House Representative for Mississippi’s Third Congressional District. Democrat Michael Ted Evans, Republican Michael Guest and Matthew Holland, of the Reform Party, will each appear on the ballot in hopes of succeeding Harper.

Judicial

In East Mississippi, two races between judicial candidates have garnered the most attention since all other races have no opposition. 

Judge Jerry Mason retired from the 12th Chancery Court after decades on the bench, with local attorneys Charles E. “Charlie” Smith and Frances Smith Stephenson both hoping to fill his shoes. 

Lawrence “Larry” Primeaux has no opponent for the other seat in the Chancery Court, which covers Lauderdale and Clarke Counties.

Charles W. Wright will run for the first time as 10th Circuit Court Judge after his appointment last year following the unexpected death of former Judge Justin Cobb. Wright has no opponents.

Lester Williamson Jr. will retire from his seat on the 10th Circuit Court, leaving local attorneys Robert T. “Bo” Bailey and Robert Compton as possible successors to his position on the bench. The 10th Circuit Court covers Kemper, Lauderdale, Clarke and Wayne Counties.

Both County Court Judges Lisa Howell and Veldore “Vel” Young Graham face no opponents in their elections. 

Some voters in Lauderdale County will have additional elections and should consult their voter ID cards before arriving at the polls.

In Justice Court, Paul E. Earley II has no opponents for the third seat on the Justice Court.

School Board Districts 3 and 4 both have elections, with Josh Thompson running unopposed for District 3 and Dusty Culpepper running unopposed for District 4.