As the primary election inches closer, there are a number of issues and deadlines that voters need to keep in mind.

Next month’s election is the first of possibly three elections this year — the primary is June 1, and if a run-off is necessary in that election, it will be held on July 13.

The general election will be held on Nov. 2.

The primary election is run by each political party, and if there is no opposition for a race during the primary, the candidates name won’t show up on the ballot.

“That’s the case with several of our local republican races,” said probate judge Jim Perdue.

A candidate doesn’t have to be affiliated with a political party to run for office, however there is a process for those who wish to run as independents.

The primary date is a deadline for these candidates.

On or before the day of the primary, the independent candidate must provide the probate judge with a list of voters from their district representing three percent of the people who voted for governor in the last general election.

“That petition with those signatures has to be received by 5 p.m. on the day of the primary,” Perdue said.

For anyone not satisfied with any of the candidates and looking to write in a nominee, that can only be done in the general election in November, Perdue said.

There is also the issue of absentee ballots.

Sandra Berry is serving as the administrator for absentee ballots, and the deadline to submit one is May 27.

Overall, because of the large number of candidates and interest in the county, Perdue said this election should be a good one.

“I expect a good turnout,” he said. “This is part of the democratic process of the largest free nation on earth, and it’s a wonderful process. We also take great pride in running flawless elections in this county.”