The field for the Oct. 12 special election for Ward Fouralderman is set after no additional candidates qualified by the 5p.m. Wednesday deadline, city officials said.

Boyce Bullock, Shirley Estes, Steve Melancon and Jay Bishop arethe four candidates seeking the office that was declared vacantfollowing Don Estes’ death earlier this month.

City Clerk Mike Jinks said ballots were proofed for the printerthis morning and absentee balloting could begin soon.

“We should have the ballots by in the morning,” Jinks said.

Ward Four residents may vote absentee during regular city clerkoffice hours and on Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. until noon. That is the lastday for absentee voting in the clerk’s office.

Residents may also request an absentee ballot by mail. BecauseOct. 11 is Columbus Day, a federal holiday, absentee ballots willhave to be received at the post office by Oct. 9.

If no candidate receives a majority of the vote Oct. 12, Jinkssaid, a runoff between the top two vote-getters will be held Oct.19.

The special election winner will serve the remainder of theunexpired term through June 2005. Regular city elections for mayor,aldermen and other elected city offices are scheduled for spring2005.