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 choices 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.

All of the candidates vying for the Northern District Justice Court Judge position are running as Democrats, so that race will be decided in the primary on Aug. 6, or if necessary, in the Aug. 27 runoff.

In that race, incumbent Partricia F. Dumnore, the only attorney in the race, faces challenges from Eddie Jones and Audrey B. Minor.

Justice court judges in Mississippi are not required to be attorneys, however, and while both Dunmore and Jones have long, distinguished records of public service to Adams County, we believe Minor has earned a chance to represent the Northern District on the justice court bench.

Minor was reared in Natchez, educated in the Natchez school system, has worked in the justice court office for 22 years in all capacities under numerous judges; most recently for the past 10 years serving as the head clerk. As part of her job Minor has undergone the same judicial training as judges twice a year, so Minor is up-to-date on the latest issues of the justice court system in the state and Adams County.

In the Southern District race, two Democrats — Lee Ford and incumbent Eileen Mary Maher — are vying for the chance to represent the party in the Nov. 5 general election against independent challenger Danny Barber. Maher has served on the bench in Southern district position for the past two years filling a partial term since 2017. In her time on the bench Maher has proved to be a fair, stern and compassionate judge.

Maher is well qualified for the position as well.

We believe Maher deserves a chance to advance to the general election to vie for a full term on the Southern District Justice Court bench.