Voters in Franklin and area towns headed to the polls today to elect their local leadership.

Precincts remain open until 7 p.m.

In Franklin, voters are choosing between incumbent Mayor Jim Councill and challenger James Riddick Sr. Citizens of Ward 3 and Ward 6 also are voting in contested City Council races. In Ward 3, incumbent Councilwoman Rosa Lawrence is challenged by Greg McLemore. In Ward 6, candidates Don Blythe, Jamie Brown and Ray Smith are vying for the seat being vacated by Councilman Mark Fetherolf.

Another race to watch is in the Southampton County town of Boykins, where a dozen candidates are vying for five seats on the Town Council.

Visit www.thetidewaternews.com tonight for election returns, and see Wednesday’s print edition of The Tidewater News for full election coverage.