Area residents will head to the polls Tuesday in the final election for the District 24 Senate seat vacated last year by Sen. Charles Steele. Steele left the post to devote more time to his position with the Southern Christian Leadership Coalition.

Vying for the position Tuesday are Bobby Singleton, D-Sawyerville, and Rev. James Carter, R-Boligee.

Singleton, who currently serves in the State House of Representatives, defeated Thomas Moore in a Dec. 14 runoff. Carter has not faced opposition before this election.

In an earlier Times article, Singleton said he will be prepared for his opponent, though Carter’s name is not well-known.

“My opponent has been really quiet so far and I have not heard much from him,” Singleton said. “I am not taking him lightly though. I know he will be out there and I am treating him like any other opponent.”

Carter said he is aware of his underdog status, but said he believes if people want a change, they will vote for him.

“I’m actually calling on those Democrats out there who are tired of the same old games to team up with us,” he said in an earlier interview. “This could be a win for the Democrats too if they elect me because I will represent both of us.”

Turnout is expected to be extremely low for the special election, with a maximum of 25 to 30 percent of registered voters going to the polls.

Should Singleton win, the process will begin again, with special elections for the house seat he will be leaving.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m.