Runoffs will decide who wins the Democratic nomination for Marengo County Sheriff and two other local offices Tuesday.

The three races on the Democratic ticket will be as follows:

•Marengo County Sheriff – Incumbent Sheriff Richard “Ben” Bates and Phillip Myers

•Marengo County Board of Education District 4 – Incumbent Arthur Hopson and Chester Moore

•State Representative District 72 – Incumbent Ralph Howard and Thomas Moore

Marengo County Probate Judge Laurie Hall said she feels the turnout in Marengo County will be good because of the races on the ballot.

“The turnout for runoff elections is usually lower than primary elections, but because of the sheriff’s race and the Marengo County Board of Education race, I think we should have a pretty decent turnout,” she said. “After speaking with the circuit clerk’s office, it seems we have a good number of absentee ballots coming in, which is usually a sign of a good turnout.”

She added that she hopes voters come out due to the sheriff’s race being on the ballot.

“That’s an important race because the safety of citizens is in the sheriff’s hands,” she said. “It will be important for people to come out and support their candidate on Tuesday.”

On the Republican ticket, there will be no local races, but there will be three statewide races. They are as follows:

•Secretary of State – Reese McKinney and John Merrill

•State Auditor – Dale Peterson and Jim Zeigler

•Public Service Commission, Place 2 – Chris “Chip” Beeker Jr. and Terry Dunn

Alabama Secretary of State Jim Bennett reminds voters of the party primary runoff election that will be held next Tuesday, July 15.

“We are only expecting about 5 percent of the voters to show up to the polls on Election Day next week. It is very important for voters to take every opportunity to cast a ballot and make their voice heard,” Bennett said. “Frequently one vote or a handful of votes can make a difference.”

Bennett said Friday, July 11 is the last day to request an absentee ballot for this election.

“Many families are out of the county this summer with children being out of school,” he said. “If you are a registered voter and will be out of your county and you are unable to cast a ballot at the polls, you are eligible to vote absentee.”

Absentee ballot information can be obtained by going to www.alabamavotes.gov where voters will find the applications to send to their county Absentee Election Manager.