Absentee voting for Tuesday’s general election finished with aflurry Saturday, said Lincoln County Circuit Clerk Terry LynnWatkins.

“We had between 50 and 60 in here Saturday,” Watkins said. “Itwas a real busy morning.”

Saturday at noon was the last day for general election absenteevoting in the clerk’s office. Absentee ballots sent out in the mailmay be received by mail until 5 p.m. Monday, Watkins said.

Watkins said 660 people had either voted absentee in the officeor requested a ballot by mail. She did not have a total of how manyballots had come back in the mail.

“We may not actually end up with that many, but that’spotentially how many we could have,” Watkins said of the absenteeballot total.

Watkins pointed out that about 900 people voted absentee in theAugust primary. With a slight chance of rain now in the forecast,she was hopeful but unsure about the prospects for a good turnoutTuesday.

“Hopefully, people will get out early to vote and then they’llbe finished with it,” Watkins said.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

District 4 Election Commissioner Charles Smith was skepticalabout absentee voter totals being a predictor of general electionturnout. He said a certain number of people are dedicated votersand do so by absentee ballot.

“They’re going to vote every time,” Smith said.

Lincoln County voters will be making choices in 22 contestedstate and local races plus one proposed constitutional amendment.The amendment deals with how members of the state Board ofInstitutions of Higher Learning are appointed.

In addition to state races, contested races on the LincolnCounty ballot include sheriff, tax assessor/collector, coroner,three supervisor races, both justice court judge posts and oneconstable post. Voters in educational district will be choosing acounty school board member in a special election.

Area contests involving Lincoln County include House District 92representative and House District 53 representative. District 92includes parts of Lincoln, Franklin and Copiah counties whileDistrict 53 includes parts of Lincoln, Lawrence, Franklin, Amiteand Pike counties.

Watkins encouraged citizens to take part in the generalelection.

“Someone is going to be elected in every one of these offices.They need to have a say,” Watkins said.