By Tyler Pruett

tyler@southerntorch.com

On Tuesday, Nov. 10 Dekalb Residents of District 1 will head to the polls to elect a new constable. This will conclude a special election that saw the District 4 vacancy filled during the primary election as there was no candidate representing the Democratic party. The District 1 election will pit Republican Kyle Pike against Democrat George Roberts, both of whom won their respective primaries by large margins in September.

The primaries were marked by extremely low turnout, with only 2.38% of voters turning out in District 1 and an even lower 0.85% turnout in District 4. Around the same percentages can be expected this Tuesday, since turnout levels are traditionally low for special elections. Much of the controversy surrounding these elections involves a bill passed in 2010, which requires a special election to be held in the event that the position is left vacant with more than a year left in the term. The resignations during the summer met this criteria and dates were set for the elections.

Prior to 2010, the Governor filled these vacancy without the taxpayers having to fund an election. This also means that the winners could potentially be facing a reelection next year. The attention has caused a debate about how necessary these positions really are. The coming year could be the deciding factor if Dekalb County retains the elected position. Only 24 counties out of the 67 in Alabama still retain the position.