Local races on November ballot set

With the passage of a key filing deadline on Friday, Sept. 9, Franklin County’s fall general election ballot picture has become much clearer.

Circuit Clerk Warren Walker confirmed on Monday, Sept. 12 that two candidates have qualified for a special election to fill the unexpired term of District 2 Election Commissioner Elizabeth Lazarus, who resigned from her post in June.

Those qualifying to seek the office on the Tuesday, Nov. 8 ballot will include Hilda Peeler and Mary Kay Holt.

In July, the Franklin County Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Elizabeth Rushing as the interim District 2 Election Commissioner to serve in that post until a special election to fill the vacancy is held.

Also appearing on the November ballot will be two of Franklin County’s five Board of Education positions.

The two current office holders — Gloriastine (Gloria) C. Hayes and Vanessa Walker — filed to seek re-election to their respective seats with no challengers coming forward prior to the qualifying deadline.

Hayes, who represents District 1, currently serves as school board president, and Walker, from District 2, is the panel’s vice president.

The general election ballot will also feature several other important races, including the battle for Mississippi’s Second Congressional District seat between Democrat incumbent Bennie G. Thompson and Republican challenger Brian Flowers.

Also, voters will have judicial races for chancery and circuit courts to consider.

In the Fourth Chancery Court District, which includes Franklin, Amite, Pike and Walthall counties, the two incumbent judges — Debbra K. Halford in Place 1 and Wayne Smith in Place 2 — are unopposed in their bid to seek re-election.

In the Sixth Circuit Court District, made up of the same four counties, incumbent Place 2 Judge Debra W. Blackwell will face off against challengers Timothy David Blalock and Eileen M. Maher.

The Place 1 Circuit Court seat will see a change after long-time Judge Lillie Blackmon Sanders withdrew her candidacy for re-election in July.

Candidates qualifying for that post include Lydia Roberta Blackmon, Carmen Brooks Drake and Scott J. Pintard.

Those who are not registered to vote, but want to cast a ballot in the upcoming election can contact the circuit clerk’s office by calling 601-384-2320 for additional information.