Turning out the vote will be key for candidates in Tuesday’s special election for justice court and election commission seats, a pair of offices usually on the ballot with higher-profile races.

Precincts

Voting Tuesday will be:

District 1

• Bovina Subdistricts A, B and C for justice court

District 3

• VJHS Subdistrict B for justice court

• No. 7 Fire Station Subdistrict A for justice court

District 4

• Carpenter’s Union, for justice court

• Goodrum, for justice court

• Yokena for justice court

• Elks Lodge Subdistricts B, C, D and E for justice court

District 5

• Beechwood, for Election Commission

• Moose Lodge, for both contests

• Tingleville, for both contests

• Plumbers and Pipefitters, for Election Commission

• YMCA, for both contests

“It takes every voter,” said Sally Sheffield McDaniel, a 41-year-old businesswoman whose campaign signs for the Southern District justice court post appeared before qualifying ended Sept. 4.

Incumbent judge Jeff Crevitt, 46, appointed to the bench in July by county supervisors following the death of his father, Joe, is also most concerned about turnout, based on his father’s experience.

“I’m trying to encourage people to come out and vote,” said Crevitt. The ballot also features attorney and former circuit court administrator Lisa Anglin Counts, 43.

Only voters registered in the Southern District, Supervisor District 5 or both will be eligible to cast a ballot. The 12 precincts where the contests will be decided contain 14,230 eligible voters, according to the Warren County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

In 1997, the last time justice court and election commission were on a special election ballot, turnout was about 22 percent for the Southern District race. Joe Crevitt won the position in a runoff after besting a four-person field. As with that race, a runoff will be held for this year’s race Nov. 24 if neither Crevitt, McDaniel or Counts receive more than 50 percent of the vote. The winner will serve through the 2011 county and statewide election cycle and may qualify to run for re-election.

No runoff will be necessary for District 5 Election Commissioner, where incumbent Lonnie Wooley, 69, is challenged by Gordon Cordes, 73.

Bad weather has been a factor. Counts said she has eschewed signs for person-to-person campaigning. Cordes, a retired engineer, said rain has kept him from knocking on as many doors as he would like.

“I predict a light turnout,” Cordes said.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. No rain is forecast Tuesday in Vicksburg, with temperatures reaching 66 degrees during the day and cooling to 43 by night.

Justice court judges hear small claims civil cases involving debts up to $3,500, misdemeanor criminal cases and any traffic offenses that occur outside municipalities. Justice court judges also conduct bond hearings and preliminary hearings in felony criminal cases and may issue search warrants.

Commissioners enroll voters, assign polling places, prepare ballots, certify non-party candidates, conduct all general and special elections and certify results to the Secretary of State’s Office.

A special election for justice court judge is set for next year’s election cycle. Supervisors appointed James Jefferson to the post Oct. 19 to fill the slot vacated by former judge Richard Bradford. 

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Contact Danny Barrett Jr. at dbarrett@vicksburgpost.com