With more than a month to go before the rescheduled 2nd Congressional District Republican primary runoff, local election officials are reminding residents there are key election-related dates quickly approaching.

The runoff, which was originally scheduled for March 23, was rescheduled by Gov. Tate Reeves due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus to Tuesday, June 23.

Absentee voting for the primary, which is open to those voters who cast a Republican ballot during the initial election in early March or those who did not vote, opens Monday, May 11. The last day to vote absentee in person is Saturday, June 20.

The voters displaced by the backwater flooding may vote absentee.

The last day to register to vote for this election is Tuesday, May 26.

“We face an unprecedented health crisis. Conducting an election during this outbreak would force poll workers and voters to place themselves in unnecessary risk,” Reeves said in announcing his decision to push back the election. “It’s important that we exercise our rights as Americans to a free and fair election, but so is ensuring the health and safety of all Mississippians.”

The participants in the runoff are Thomas Carey and Brian Flowers.

The winner of the Republican runoff will face incumbent U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson in November’s general election.