It is time to vote.

After months of campaigning, the five Republican candidates running for District 40's vacant house seat will find out today who will face-off against the lone Democratic candidate, Ricky Whaley, and the independent candidate, Carol Hagen.

On the ballet, voters will be able to choose from K.L. Brown, Jay Dill, Debra Jones, Bill Lester and Tom Shelton.

The voting area for Jacksonville is divided into four quadrants, each with its own voting site. According to Jacksonville's City Clerk, Dot Wilson, citizens are encouraged to vote in their area and if they have questions on where to vote, they can call the Board of Registrars at 241-2930.

The polling will take place at:

• The Boy's and Girl's Club

• West Side Baptist Church's Fellowship Hall

• Jacksonville's First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

• Eagle Point Church (formerly The Barn)

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wilson says that if voters have any problems, polling officials and inspectors will be on site to provide answers.

This is the first step in selecting a representative for District 40. If no Republican wins a majority of the votes, a runoff is to be held Feb. 16th with the general election to be held March 30th. If there is no need for a runoff, the election for House Seat 40 will be moved to Feb. 16th. Independent candidates have until Jan. 13th to not only register, but also to collect 348 registered voters' signatures in order to be placed on the ballot.

Jacksonville Mayor, Johnny Smith, says that finding a good representative is crucial.

"It is extremely important for the citizens of this area to have good representation," said Smith. "Representative Fite was good about finding funding for projects. We need someone like that, fighting for us, or else the money available goes in other directions."