If history repeats itself, about one in four people listed as eligible will go to Vicksburg polling places Tuesday to select a Democratic nominee for mayor.

Voting

The polls in Vicksburg will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Chances for weather to discourage turnout appear slim, with light morning fog expected as polls open at 7. A 20 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. will increase to 40 percent, likeliest after the polls close at 7.

Vying for the party’s nod to advance to the general election June 2 are defense contract employee John Shorter, former alderman Gertrude Young and attorney Paul Winfield and convenience store owner Tommy Wright.

Vicksburg voter rolls stood at 18,809 listings, according to the most recent figures available from the city clerk’s office. In 2005, the rolls showed 18,380 voters. Turnout for the mayoral primary was 23 percent four years ago, when both incumbent aldermen faced opposition.

Young served two terms representing the North Ward on the city board until a 2005 defeat to Michael Mayfield. Shorter is making his second bid for the office after a primary loss in 2005. Winfield is making his first run for public office.

If no candidate receives 50 percent of the vote, a runoff will be held May 19. The Democratic nominee will face Mayor Laurence Leyens in the general election.

North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield and South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman are unopposed for new four-year terms.

The mayor’s post pays $77,000 annually, while the aldermen are paid $61,600. Raises to take effect in 2010 and 2011 will lift the mayor’s pay to $80,850 and the aldermen’s pay to $64,680.

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Contact Danny Barrett Jr. at dbarrett@vicksburgpost.com