As Democrats gather in Boston this week for the party’s nationalconvention, Lincoln County officials say interest in this year’selections remains low.

“I haven’t heard any talk about the election,” said CircuitClerk Terry Lynn Watkins. “Hopefully, as the election draws closer,that will change.”

This year’s election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 2.

In addition to the president, Lincoln County voters this yearwill be making their choices for Third District U.S.representative, a state Supreme Court judge, five county electioncommissioners and one county school board member.

The District Five school board seat, currently held by BrendaWarren, is up for election this year, Watkins said.

Qualifying for the office begins Aug. 4 and candidates will needthe signatures of 50 registered voters from the district on apetition in order to run. Sept. 3 is the qualifying deadline.

Sept. 3 is also the qualifying deadline for the county’s fiveelection commissioner posts. Like the school board race, candidateswill qualify by petitions with the names of 50 registered votersfrom their respective district.

Election commissioners include John Hightower, District One;Mike Byrne, District Two; Floy McClelland, District Three; CharlesSmith, District Four; and Lee Warren, District Five.

In other races, Joe Lee, of Ellisville, and David Ishee, ofGulfport, are challenging incumbent Mike Randolph, of Hattiesburg,for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

Justices are elected for eight-year terms. If no candidatereceives a majority Nov. 2, a runoff will be on Nov. 16.

In addition to president, the other federal race on the ballotis for the seat held by Third District U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering.The Republican incumbent has no Democrat opposition, butIndependent Jim Giles and Reform Party candidate Lamonica L. Mageeare on the ballot.

The race for president, however, will be the big attraction,Watkins said.

Incumbent George W. Bush is going for a second term against U.S.Sen. John Kerry, who will be named the Democratic nominee at thisweek’s convention. Watkins said ballots will be prepared after theconventions.

“Probably after the conventions, we’ll get something official,”Watkins said. “They’ll have been nominated by their parties.”

Watkins said the presidential contest usually produces a goodturnout.

“I’m hoping this year will be no exception,” Watkins said.