While four states will hold their primaries Tuesday, Mississippivoters will go to the polls a week later on March 11 to make theirparty choices known in the races for president, U.S. senator andU.S. representative.

Mississippi is the only state holding a primary on March 11. Andunlike a few states, both Democrats and Republicans will cast theirparty ballots on the same day.

For president, the Republican ballot will include nine nameswhile the Democratic ballot will have eight names. But with ballotshaving had to be prepared months ago, both parties’ presidentialcandidate lists feature several names likely long since forgottenby voters.

At this point, the Democratic ballot is attracting the mostattention as Ill. Sen. Barack Obama and New York Sen. HillaryClinton battle tooth and nail for every delegate vote in theirdrives to secure the party’s nomination. In all likelihood, thewinner will go on to face Republican Ariz. U.S. Sen. John McCain,although former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee maintains a fadingcampaign for the presidency.

Closer to home, Lincoln County voters will play a role indetermining the parties’ nominees for Third District U.S.representative.

On the Republican side, James Broadwater, Gregg Harper, GregoryHatcher, David Landrum, William ‘Bill” Marcy, Charlie Ross and JohnRounsaville are vying for the nomination. Two Democrats, Randy Eadsand Joel L. Gill, are asking to carry that party’s banner.

The winner of the general election in November will replace Rep.Chip Pickering, who is not seeking re-election.

In the third race on the Democratic ballot, Erik Fleming andShawn O’Hara face off for the right to go against longtimeincumbent U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, who is unopposed on the GOPside.

In the upcoming federal elections, voters will be casting theirballots at 32 precincts around the county that were last used forcounty and state elections in 2007. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.to 7 p.m.

We encourage voters to take an interest in the election, learnabout the candidates and then go vote on March 11.