EDITOR’S NOTE: Voters go to the polls Aug. 6 to cast ballots in party primaries for some 15 countywide offices and other district offices and statewide offices. The Natchez Democrat editorial board is making editorial endorsements in several key races we think to be crucial choice for voters. The board will not offer endorsements in several races in which we see no clear choice to make a difference on the issues we think are important to the community.

Adams County voters will take a step toward choosing the next person to lead the circuit clerk’s office in Tuesday’s Democratic Primary election.

Earlier this year, Circuit Clerk Eddie Walker announced his retirement, choosing not to run for a fourth term.

Voters will select one person to succeed from the four seeking the office to face independent candidates Charlie Vess and Ricky Warren in the Nov. 5 general election.

After studying the issues, interviewing candidates and reading their responses to a questionnaire sent to all of those running, one stands out from the crowd and earns our endorsement.

Eva “E.J.” Givens is our choice — the most logical choice to continue an office that has run smoothly and efficiently for the nine years Givens has been the chief deputy clerk.

Givens knows the office.

Hired by Walker in 2010, Givens has worked for all three courts — youth court, county and circuit court.

In that time, she has taken it upon herself to learn every aspect of the office.

During her tenure, the current office has had clean audits and appears to serve the taxpayers well.

Givens is also committed to making changes to the office that could make it more efficient and accessible.

She promises to bring E-filing to the circuit clerk’s office.

Without E-filing, attorneys from New Orleans, Baton Rouge and other far-flung places are forced to drive to Natchez just to look at current court filings. E-filing will allow records in the system to be viewed remotely via computer for a nominal fee and enable lawyers to make filings from their home or office.

We believe Given’s experience and her vision make her the best option among a strong crop of candidates. We encourage voters to give her strong consideration when they cast their votes in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday.