NATCHEZ — Voters will head to the polls today for the second Democratic mayoral primary to decide which one of the remaining two candidates will move on to the general election.

Larry L. “Butch” Brown and Phillip West are facing off for the Democratic mayoral nomination today.

Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

The winner of today’s second primary will face Republican Bob Buie and independent Bill Furlow in the June 5 general election.

Larry Gardner, election commission chairman, said approximately 260 absentee ballots were cast for the second primary, about 10 percent less than the 297 in the first primary.

Using the number of absentee ballots as a benchmark, Gardner said the commission estimates approximately 30 to 40 percent of the city’s registered voters will show up at the polls today.

“Runoff elections typically do not do well, no matter who is running,” Gardner said. “I do not think we’re going to get 50 percent; it would be nice if we could, but I don’t think we will.”

Only 4,496 of 10,661 registered voters cast ballots during the May 1 mayoral primary election between Brown, West and current Mayor Jake Middleton.

Polling locations are as follows:

• Ward 1: Natchez City Council Chambers

• Ward 2: Frazier Primary School

• Ward 3: Elks Lodge on Lower Woodville Road

• Ward 4: Union Hall

• Ward 5: National Guard Armory on Liberty Road

• Ward 6: Duncan Park Canteen

If you do not know which ward you live in, call Natchez City Hall at 601-445-7500.

Curbside voting is available at polling locations for handicapped voters.

Democratic, Republican and independent candidates will all appear on the June 5 general election ballot, and a voter may vote for a mix of Democrats, Republicans and independents then.

Any registered voter, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in today’s primary. A voter who did not vote during the first primary election may vote today in the second primary.

The online edition of The Natchez Democrat will provide daily updates today before polls close and live election results tonight as results are tallied.

For up-to-the-minute election updates and information, visit natchezdemocrat.com.

For full information on candidates, coverage of political forums and interviews with all candidates in the municipal elections, visit the website’s Election 2012 page.