Early voting will continue through Monday, May 19, in Clay County for the May 20 Democratic and non-preferential judicial primaries. This spring brought with it several contested races in the county, while a number of others are facing no opposition.

This year's ballot features only one contested race for justice of the peace and three constable races will be decided. The county's state representative, Mike Patterson of Piggott, is also un-opposed in the primary as well.

Contested races to be decided next Tuesday include county judge, sheriff and collector, county clerk, circuit clerk and district judge. The current treasurer, Carolyn Morrisett, assessor Tracy Gurley, and coroner Paul Hoggard drew no opposition in the primary and there have been no candidates announce their intentions to run as independents in the general election.

In the Democratic primary, the race for county judge is between incumbent Gary Howell of Piggott and challenger Rick Edington of Datto. Pat Poole of Piggott and Tom Morris of Corning are contending for county clerk following the retirement of Sharon Williams. The incumbent circuit clerk, Janet Luff-Kilbreath of McDougal, is facing Beverly (Harris) Scott of Piggott for that position. Meanwhile, Sheriff Ronnie Cole of Piggott is facing challenger Gerald McClung of Rector. In the non-partisan judicial race for district judge, incumbent Rick Rodery is facing David Copelin. Both candidates are Piggott residents and natives of the area.

The only contested race for JP involves incumbent Triply Muse as she will be challenged by Joseph Cleaon Henderson for the District Two seat.

Meanwhile, there are three races for constable in the county with a total of 10 candidates. Incumbent constable Jack Parrish has drawn a challenge from Justin Jackson for North St. Francis Township -- both are from Piggott. There are six candidates for the vacant constable seat in West Oak Bluff. That group includes Jason Cobb, Cary Clayton, Richard D. Earls, Terry Robertson, Kelly Baker and Allen Deringer. And in East Oak Bluff, constable Darrell Speer is facing a challenge from Marvin D. Midkiff.

Early voting will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, May 16. It will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17, and will wrap-up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, May 19.

Tuesday, May 20, is primary election day and the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. across the state.