The day is finally here to get out and vote in the general election.

After months of hard campaigning by local and statewide candidates, the people of Pike County and all across Alabama will make their voices heard today at the polls.

Circuit Clerk Jamie Scarbrough is up for election herself, and although she has no opposition in the race for her position, she is still hopeful that voters will come out in high numbers to influence the direction of their community and state.

“We’ve had about the same number of absentee ballots as we usually do for a general election if that’s any judge of how many are going to show up,” Scarbrough said. “I want to be hopeful and say that it is going to be a much larger turnout than normal, but I’m not sure. Weather is going to be a contributing factor I’m afraid.”

The National Weather Service forecasts thunderstorms Tuesday with some potentially severe weather overnight Monday into Tuesday morning.

The polls are open though from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., giving opportunity for voters to get in and make their votes during any breaks in the rainfall.

For Pike County, all local judicial races were decided in the Republican primaries, but there are still reasons for Pike Countians to go out and vote, Scarbrough said.

Republican nominee Wes Allen, current probate judge, and Democrat nominee Joel Williams, local attorney, are in a race for the District 89 seat representing all of Pike County and a portion of Dale in Alabama’s House of Representatives.

Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District seat is also up for grabs again on the ballot, with incumbent Republican Martha Roby facing Democratic challenger Tabitha Isner. The district includes Pike County as well as Montgomery and other surrounding counties.

“I think it’s always important when you have an opportunity to vote to go and vote,” Scarbrough said.

In addition to the direct local representatives, several of Alabama’s highest offices are also on the ballot this year including the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, secretary of state and more.

Other races on the ballot include four associate justices on the Alabama Supreme Court, three judges on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, three judges for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, state auditor, two seats on the public service commission.

For Pike County, several names will be on the ballot unopposed for their positions, including Democratic incumbent Jerry Williams for coroner, Democratic incumbent Russell Thomas for sheriff and Republican incumbent Jamie Scarbrough for circuit clerk.

Republican Steven Curtis is unopposed for district judge, Republican Michael Bunn is unopposed for probate judge, Republican Henry “Sonny” Reagan is unopposed for circuit judge, and Republican Chris Wilkes and Democrat Clint Foster are both unopposed for their seats on the Pike County Board of Education.

In addition to electing officials, voters will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on four constitutional amendments.

Amendment 1 would provide for the display of the Ten Commandments in public offices under certain conditions officials believe to meet the requirements of the U.S. Constitution.

Amendment 2 would declare that Alabama respects the rights of unborn children including the right to life. The policy would not have any immediate affect but could make abortion illegal if the Supreme Court decides to put the abortion issue back to the states in the future.

Amendment 3 would restructure the University of Alabama Board of Trustees.

Amendment 4 end special elections to fill seats when it is vacated on or after October 1 of the third year of a four-year term.

Voters who do not know where to go to cast their ballot can call or visit the Pike County Board of Registrars.

Residents will vote in 34 precincts, including the Troy Public Library, Meeksville Volunteer Fire Department, China Grove County Building, Hamilton Cross Roads, Dunn’s Voting Center No. 1, Troy Adams Armory, Saco Voting Center No. 1, Ebenezer Voting Center No. 1, Josie County Building, Enon County Building, Sweet Pilgrim Church, Banks Voting Center No. 1, Troy Recreation Department, Brundidge – Haisten Building, Tennille Methodist Church, Tarentum Community Clubhouse, Little Oak County Building, Galloway Road Community Center, Springhill Housing Authority, Pike County Courthouse, First Baptist Church, Henderson Voting Center No. 1, Goshen Town Hall, Rural Home County Building, Antioch Church of Christ, Oak Bowery Church, Dunn’s Voting Center No. 2, Banks Voting Center No. 2, Golden/Satellite Building, Ebenezer Voting Center No. 2, Henderson Voting Center No. 2, and Saco Voting Center No. 2.

Dianna Bascomb, president of the Pike County branch of the NAACP, said the organization will be providing free rides to voters who need transportation to get to the polls.

Voters needing a ride to the polls can call 334-282-5049.