With Selma City Council Ward 3 special elections less than two weeks away, the eight candidates are preparing for potentially a close race where the ultimate decision — or at least whether or a not a runoff is needed — can come down to just a few votes.

The elections, set for May 24, will fill a position on the city council left vacant earlier this year with the departure of Dr. Monica Newton.

The candidates who will appear on the special election ballot are Tom Headley, Greg Bjelke, Karl Lewis, Sherrette Spicer, David Cothran, Gwen Brown, Pam West and Garfield Clarke.

Though residents still have some time to ponder on who they will vote for, the deadline to register to vote is this Friday at 4:30 p.m. Those casting an absentee ballot have until Thursday, May 19 at 5 p.m. to complete their ballot.

Laurine Pettway, with the Dallas County Board of Registrars, said she has been impressed by the amount of public support the special election has garnered.

“We’ve had a lot of people making sure their voting files were updated and a lot have come out to register,” Pettway said.

Pettway also said she’s surprised by the increased participation of candidates competing on the ballot.

“We have more people running in this election and I believe many people just want to improve Ward 3 and make a difference in the area,” Pettway said.

The election is set for Tuesday, May 24 with polls opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m. Two polling places — the Christian Outreach Alliance at 700 J.L. Chestnut Blvd., and the Dallas County Courthouse — have been established for the special election.

Those voting are asked to bring one of the following items with them to the poll places: a voter registration card, picture identification, a utility statement with your name and address on it, a Social Security card, birth certificate or pay stub. Ballots will be available at poll sites and absentee ballots will be tallied inside city hall on election day.

For more information about voting procedures, call the Selma City Clerk office at 874-2102.