NATCHEZ — Voters have the freedom of sliding their politics however left or right they want at the polls come Nov. 8.

Voters had to choose to cast an all-Democrat or all-Republican ticket during August party primaries, but the field is wide open at the General Election.

Circuit Clerk Eddie Walker said he heard from a handful of voters after the primaries who complained they did not realize until after they cast a Republican ballot that most of the local races were absent from their ballot.

Walker said the purpose of the party primaries was to narrow down the top candidate in each party for the General Election.

But on Nov. 8, voters can choose whichever candidates they want, regardless of party affiliation.

Every voter in Mississippi has a chance to make a pick in nine statewide contested races and vote on three ballot initiatives, which have potential to change the state constitution.

Residents in District 2 and District 5 will also be choosing their Adams County supervisor.

In the local race for District 2 supervisor, David Carter, an Independent who will appear on the ballot for the first time, will face Incumbent Henry Watts, a Democrat.

In District 5, Calvin “Jyrodd Buford” Butler, a Democrat, will face Grady B. “Cookie” Wilson, a Republican.

Voters in senate District 37 will also be choosing a senator at the polls between Incumbent Bob Dearing, a Democrat, and Melanie Sojourner, a Republican.

Statewide contested races include the following:

– Governor — Phil Bryant, Republican; and Johnny L. Dupree, Democrat.

– Lieutenant governor — Tate Reeves, Republican; and Tracella Lou O’Hara Hill, Reform Party.

– Attorney General — Incumbent Jim Hood, Democrat; and Steve Simpson, Republican.

– State auditor — Incumbent Stacey E. Pickering, Republican; and Ashley Norwood, Reform Party.

– State treasurer — Lynn Fitch, Republican; Connie Moran, Democrat; and Shawn O’Hara, Reform Party.

– Commissioner of agriculture and commerce — Joel Gill, Democrat; Cindy Hyde-Smith, Republican; and Cathy L. Toole, Reform Party.

– Insurance commissioner — Incumbent Mike Chaney, Republican; Louis Fondren, Democrat; and Barbara Dale Washer, Reform Party.

– Public Service Commissioner, southern district — Incumbent Leonard Bentz, Republican; and Mike Collier, Democrat.

– Transportation commissioner, southern district — Larry L. Albritton, Democrat; and Tom King, Republican.

The three initiatives appearing on the Nov. 8 ballot address a requirement of voter identification, the definition of when life begins and government’s right to seize private property for non-public use.