Poll workers throughout Lincoln County stayed busy Tuesday for the 2020 Presidential Primary Elections, but not too much.

“It’s about the same as about four years ago at the primary,” said Circuit Clerk Dustin Bairfield. “They’re staying pretty busy, but it’s nothing compared to county elections.”

With about 21,000 registered voters in the county, Bairfield expected about 8,500 either voted in the 12-hour window or absentee in the primary. About 380 voters cast an absentee ballot before Tuesday.

Bairfield said his staff called poll supervisors throughout the day to check on them. Most reported they had no lines, but were getting a steady flow of voters. No glitches in the voting process were reported.

He does not anticipate a runoff on the Republican side, but with more than two elections seeing three candidates, a Democrat runoff is a slight possibility. If it’s required, it will be March 24, he said.

Based on the telephone calls to Secretary of State Michael Watson’s office, voter turnout for the primary seem to be steady. The call volume into the Secretary of State’s Election Hotline was below average, with most calls relating to polling location and voter registration questions.

In regards to all coronavirus inquires, Watson’s office advised all counties to supply disinfecting spray and sanitizing materials at polling places. They also provided county election officials with a document listing the best practices for cleaning and sanitizing touch-screen voting devices.

“There are no confirmed coronavirus cases in our state, but we are still remaining cautious,” Watson said.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a warning to remain vigilant of scams related to coronavirus.

As a reminder, primary elections are conducted by political parties. For reach either party call the Mississippi Democratic Party at 601-734-2566 or the Mississippi Republican Party at 601-948-5191.

Problems encountered at the polls or other questions should be directed to the Secretary of State’s Election Hotline at 601-576-2550 or 1-800-829-6786.

For voter information, visit the Secretary of State’s Y’all Vote website at yallvote.sos.ms.gov.