In case you need another reminder, polls are open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Locally, there are several contested races on the ballot that will affect the future of Lincoln County.

The statewide races are equally important, but less exciting this year. Most incumbents, save for Attorney General Jim Hood, look to be heavily favored for re-election. Hood will likely win, but his opponent, Republican Mike Hurst, will make it a close one.

There are several contested local races — sheriff, superintendent of education, tax assessor/collector, supervisor, Justice Court judge, constable and school board seats. These positions are central to the operation of our county government and school system. Careful consideration should be made before casting a ballot.

While some of these candidates run with a party affiliation, ignore the “D” or the “R” beside the name and simply vote for the individual that you think will best serve Lincoln County. We can’t imagine that party affiliation of the sheriff or tax assessor makes much difference in how that office carries out its duties. The same goes for supervisor or Justice Court judge.

The always-confusing education funding initiative will be on the ballot as well. Our “Decision 2015” election guide that published Friday included information on the ballot initiative. If you need a copy, stop by our office at 128 N. Railroad Ave.

Below are tips for Election Day from the Secretary of State’s Office:

• Don’t forget your photo ID:  A list of acceptable forms of photo ID is available at the following link:  www.MSVoterID.ms.gov.

• Vote at off-peak times:  Vote mid-morning and mid-afternoon when voting is slower.

• Review your ballot before you vote:  Sample ballots are posted in each precinct. Sample ballots are also available on the Secretary of State’s website through the polling locator.

• Know where you vote:  A polling place locator is available on the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.ms.gov/pollingplace.

• Attire:  It is against the law for any candidate or candidate’s representative to distribute campaign literature within 150 feet of a polling location.  It is the position of the Office of the Secretary of State that wearing clothing with a candidate’s name and/or picture on it or other campaign paraphernalia within 150 feet of a polling location constitutes the posting of campaign literature and is prohibited.

• No loitering: The polling place should be clear 30 feet of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote or pollwatchers.