Polls opened this morning for residents in Wards 1 and 5 to cast their votes for who they think will represent them the best on the Oxford Board of Aldermen during the primary municipal election.

Long-time Ward 5 Alderman Preston Taylor will face off against fellow Democrat Theressa “Terry” Hilliard and in Ward 1, incumbent Rick Addy is being challenged by fellow Democrat Patrick Herbert.

Since no Republicans qualified to run in either ward election, the race will be decided tonight when polls close at 7 p.m.

Only residents living in Wards 1 and 5 need to vote today at the Oxford Conference Center.

On June 6, Ward 2 voters will elect either Republican Mark Huelse or Democrat Paula Shanks as their alderman and Ward 6 voters will decide between Republican incumbent Jason Bailey and Democrat candidate Wayne Andrews.

Wards 3, 4 and at-large had no opposing candidates qualify against the incumbents.

People can register to vote in the June election through May 6.

There is no primary in Abbeville or Taylor since the Board of Aldermen elections in those towns are nonpartisan. Their candidates will all vie for seats on the board on June 6.