Voters in seven northwest Alabama municipalities head to the polls today to decide races that were narrowed to two candidates in August elections.

Only one mayor's race from the Shoals' four largest cities is on the slate, while Florence voters only have to decide the City Council, District 5 race.

Meanwhile, the runoffs are generating a lot of attention in Rogersville, where three Town Council races are up for grabs.

Polls are open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. in all races.

"There's been a lot of excitement around politics this time, so you might think there will be big turnout," Rogersville Mayor Richard Herston said. "I hope it is. You want people to be engaged in your town. There's been a lot of campaigning the last month."

In Tuscumbia, the mayor's race has come down to incumbent Bill Shoemaker and Fire Chief David Cole, in the only runoff taking place in the Colbert County municipalities.

Shoemaker, seeking his third-straight term, accumulated 47.6 percent of the votes in the Aug. 28 election, while Cole had 28 percent in the three-candidate race.

Tuscumbia City Clerk Joann Armstead said things have been quiet during this election cycle in Tuscumbia.

"I don't think anyone is talking about it," Armstead said. "This election is very different than any that I've come up against. It's very strange."

Florence's race is in District 5 between Coy Bramlett and Blake Edwards. Voters in the city's new growth district narrowed the four-candidate race to the two candidates who are vying for the seat being vacated by Council President James Barnhart.

Edwards got 43.5 percent of the vote in the August election, and Bramlett got 36.6 percent. Polling places for the race are at Harlan School and Forest Hills School.

Most City Hall officials in the affected cities say they expect a light voter turnout.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 256-740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com.

Today’s election

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Today.

Check TimesDaily.com for updates after 7:30 p.m. Today.

Local runoffs

Tuscumbia mayor

• David Cole

• Bill Shoemaker

Florence City Council

District 5

• Coy Bramlett

• Blake Edwards

Russellville Council

District 1

• Jeff Masterson

• David Palmer

Waterloo mayor

• Mary Jenelee Higgins

• Jerry McIntyre

St. Florian City Council

Place 3

• Sandy Evers

• Carmen Miles

Rogersville Council

Place 1

• Jim Landers

• Bill Maloney

Place 2

• Cory Garrett

• Colby Tucker

Place 3

• Danny L. Jones

• Anita S. Roberson