Despite all the commotion, the race for president is not the only contest on the Nov. 6 ballot.

     Given the recent debates, campaign commercials and extensive media coverage, voters could reasonably assume a lack of any other significant races. That assumption, though, would be inaccurate.

     On the federal level, voters across the nation will be electing their members of the U.S. House of Representatives and about a third of the states will be choosing their U.S. senators. Mississippians will be electing four members of the House and one senator.

     Indeed, many political observers believe the outcomes of the House and Senate contests around the country could have as much bearing on the nation’s future as the presidential election.

     Republicans on Nov. 6 will be seeking to gain control of the Senate and retain their majority in the House. A GOP sweep of the presidency, the House and the Senate could greatly impact what legislation is considered and what is passed in the near future.

     Democratic retention of one or more of the three entities could mean – from a negative standpoint – further gridlock in our nation’s capital or – from a positive standpoint – the prospect of compromise to get contentious legislation passed in an acceptable form.

     While last year saw an intense focus on the races for most of Mississippi’s statewide elected offices, this year there are a number of state Supreme Court seats contested. Lincoln County voters will be choosing a court representative for the Southern District of the state.

     And much like the state, the county saw the vast majority of local elected offices decided last year.

     However, there remain several important contests to be decided on Lincoln County’s Nov. 6 ballot.

     Among them are two positions on the Lincoln County School Board and all five election commissioner posts.

     The county school board members, with the superintendent of education, are responsible for overseeing the county schools, and thus, the education of many of our area children.

     Election commissioners play a vital role in directing general elections in the county and have an equally key part, along with the circuit clerk, in ensuring that voter rolls are accurate and up to date. Therefore, the importance of having dedicated individuals as election commissioners cannot be understated.

     Speaking of circuit clerk, the Nov. 6 ballot includes a special election to fill the remainder of that position’s term. The post has been filled by an interim office-holder for most of 2012 after former clerk Terry Lynn Watkins resigned in January.

     Absentee voting for the Nov. 6 election is well under way at the Lincoln County Circuit Clerk’s Office. As of last count, the number of absentee ballots – either sent out by mail and awaiting a return or those cast in the clerk’s office – was approaching 1,000.

     Saturday at noon is the deadline for absentee voting in the clerk’s office. Mailed absentee ballots must be received back by mail in the clerk’s office by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5.

     Thousands more votes are waiting to be cast on Election Day. And all races – not just the one for president – deserve to have a high voter participation rate.