State and Lincoln County Democratic officials say they hope tokeep costs to a minimum during a June primary to determine theparty’s nominee for U.S. Senate.

Gerald Williams, Lincoln County Democratic Executive Committeechairman, and Lincoln County Circuit Clerk Terry Case Watkins gotan update on election laws Friday during a state workshop. ADemocratic Executive Committee meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m. at thegovernment complex will bring local party officials up to date,Williams said.

Preparations are being made for the party’s June 4 primary inwhich James W. “Bootie” Hunt and Steven Douglas Turney are vyingfor the party nod and right to face incumbent Republican U.S. Sen.Thad Cochran. A Democratic party poll worker training session isscheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the courthouse, Williamssaid.

“It’s required by law that we have an election,” Williamssaid.

With a low turnout expected, officials are urging cost-savingmeasures.

“We’re going to keep it to the minimum of three people pervoting precinct,” Williams said, referring to a state law requiringthat number.

Lincoln County has 32 voting precincts. Box managers earn $90for the day while other poll workers earn $75.

Watkins said paper ballots will be used to keep expenses to aminimum.

In congressional districts one, four and three, which includesLincoln County, the Senate race is the only one on the ballot, saidRickey Cole, state Democratic Executive Committee chairman.

“Democracy is never cheap, but we must not use a dime more ofthe taxpayers’ money than we need to conduct this election,” Colesaid in a letter to county committee chairman.