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You asked: Why do Franklin voters help to pick Southampton County’s sheriff?

FRANKLIN—For as long as Southampton County Voter Registrar Leona Davis can remember, the office of Southampton County sheriff has been shared with the City of Franklin.

She said the office of the county’s commonwealth attorney works the same way.

While it’s not quite a shared jurisdiction, county deputies have the authority to enforce state laws in Franklin, said Franklin Police Department Lt. Tim Whitt.

He said deputies also handle courtroom security in Franklin courts and serve civil papers in the city.

FPD officers handle all warrants and subpoenas in the city.

Voters on Nov. 8 can choose between candidates running for sheriff. They are Southampton County Chief Deputy Jack Stutts, a Democrat; independent David Holland, a former assistant commander of personnel for the Fairfax Police Department; and Franklin Policeman Brian Marvel, an independent.

Southampton County Sheriff Vernie Francis is retiring after 28 years.