Adams County voters will cast ballots today under the watchful eye of Justice Department observers.

&uot;We should have four, possibly five precincts observed,&uot; said Larry Gardner, Deputy Circuit Clerk for Adams County.

Throughout the states of Georgia, Mississippi and New Jersey, 116 federal officials will observe the general election to ensure that the rights of minority voters are respected, said Christine DiBartolo, spokesperson for the Voting Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Seven Mississippi counties will share 71 federal observers today.

&uot;Justice Department officials will observe voting practices to be sure that minority voters are not intimidated – to insure that African-American voters are treated fairly,&uot; DiBartolo said.

Gardner said he met with the Justice Department personnel to explain the voting process and equipment used in Adams County.

&uot;We have some of the best voting devices around,&uot; Gardner said.

All polls in Adams County will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

Voters in the Cloverdale precinct are reminded that they will vote at the By-Pass Fire precinct today. The Carpenter precinct will vote at Cathedral School.

The first wave of election results is expected in the Circuit Clerk’s office at 7:45 p.m., with all results reporting in between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Gardner said.

Mississippians around the state will decide the state’s next Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, Commisioner of Insurance, and Public Service Commisioner.

In addition to electing a full slate of state officers, Adams County voters face critical races at home.

Two seats on the Adams County Board of Supervisors will be settled today: District 1 and District 5.

In District 1, Democratic incumbent Samuel L. &uot;Sammy&uot; Cauthen faces Republican challenger Branon Pesnell.

In District 5, Democratic candidate Lynwood Easterling will face his Independent opponent Eddie Jones.

In the Circuit Clerk’s race, incumbent Independent Fred Ferguson faces strong opposition from Democrat M. L. &uot;Binky&uot; Vines.

Two political newcomers vie for the position of County Coroner: Democrat James E. Lee versus Independent Pat Powers.

Incumbent Sheriff Tommy Ferrell, a Democrat, is running against Independent Tommie Lee Jones in the Adams County Sheriff’s race.

The incumbent Southeastern District 2 Constable Danny L. Rollins, a Democrat, will meet Independent Ronald J. Foster.

In the District 95 Representatives race, incumbent Republican Andrew Ketchings will face Democratic opponent Pamela Ferrington.