NRoute public transportation operational manager Audrey Jones Jackson has qualified for the Nov. 2 special election to fill an unexpired term for justice court judge in Warren County’s Central District.

Jackson will join funeral director James E. Jefferson Jr. on the ballot, and likely others who are still in the process of qualifying. Jefferson was appointed to the post by county supervisors in October 2009 after former judge Richard Bradford resigned.

At least two potential candidates have dropped off qualifying papers at the Warren County Circuit Clerk’s Office, but an office spokesman said the required 15 supporting signatures from residents in the district have yet to be verified. Candidates have until Sept. 3 to qualify.

Justice Court judges hear small-claims cases of up to $3,500, misdemeanor criminal cases and any traffic offenses occurring outside city limits. They also conduct bond hearings and preliminary hearings in felony criminal cases, and have authority to issue search warrants. Justice court judges are not required to possess a law degree, but they must complete state training programs.

In Mississippi, salaries for justice court depends on county populations. In Warren County, the position pays $40,075 annually. Warren County has three justice court seats. Eddie Woods has held the Northern District spot since 2003, and Jeff Crevitt was elected from the Southern District last year.

Jackson is a Vicksburg native; a graduate of Vicksburg High School and Hinds Community College with a business management degree. She is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Mississippi College. Before joining NRoute four years ago, she worked as civil service secretary for the police and fire departments for nine years and as an administrative assistant for the City of Vicksburg for 13 years.

She and her husband of 10 years, Robert, have three children and are members of Greater Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Jefferson has operated Jefferson Funeral Association since 1996. The judgeship is his second appointment to public office. In 2007 he briefly served as constable from the district, but lost a bid for a full term. Supervisors appointed him unanimously to his current position among 10 candidates.

Whoever wins the post in November will face re-election next year, as terms for justice court seats are decided in county- and state-level election cycles.

The race will be on the Nov. 2 general election ballot headlined by the congressional race in Mississippi’s 2nd District between Democrat U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson and Republican challenger Bill Marcy. Candidates for Vicksburg Warren School District trustees in districts 1 and 5 also will be on the ballot.