By Jason C. Mattox

Voters in Sardis’ Ward 3 will return to the polls today to decide their representative on the Board of Aldermen.

Incumbent Rufus “Bill” Smith and and challenger Clarence “Boo Boo” Jones advanced to the run-off after both received more votes than Rickey Armstrong.

Smith gained just 11 more votes than Jones two weeks ago. 

When the dust settles from the county’s only run-off election, Sardis, Como and Batesville will have races contested in the June 2 general election.

In Sardis, Ward 1 incumbent Joseph “JoJo” Still will face off with Boots Still whom he defeated in the general election in 2005.

Como’s general election ballot will also feature a rematch from 2005 when incumbent Dr. Forster Ruhl is up against John Walton, whom he battled in court to be rightfully awarded his seat.

Batesville’s current longest serving alderman, Ward 4 incumbent Bobbie Jean Pounders, will meet Eddie Nabors, who won a GOP primary against Kenneth Williams.

In other election news, absentee voting for the Batesville general election will begin today. City Hall will be open May 23 and 30 until noon for voters.