NATCHEZ — Absentee ballots for the U.S. House of Representatives Third Congressional District primary need to be in early this year.

Adams County Circuit Clerk Eddie Walker said the election is a little unusual this year because the cut off date falls on May 31, which is Memorial Day. Walker said all government offices will be closed, so absentee voters have to get their ballots in early for the June 1 primary election.

“We will have to have all of the ballots in by Saturday, May 29, at noon,” Walker said. “We will be open from 8 until noon solely for the purpose of absentee voting.”

The primary is for democratic candidates, as the incumbent Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) is running unopposed. Running for the Democratic seat are Joel L. Gill, James D. Jackson and Shawn O’Hara.

The second primary, where the top two vote getters will face off, is June 22, unless one candidate wins the first primary by 50 percent of the vote plus one vote.

The general election is Nov. 2.

Walker said it is important to vote so that you can have a say in the U.S. government.

“We elect congressmen to go to U.S. Congress to state our views about how we feel about certain issues and laws,” Walker said. “They are our voice in Congress.”