This year's municipal elections could have a large affect on the future of Covington and Porterdale as both mayoral positions and six council seats will be contested.

However, in order to vote, residents must register with the Newton County Board of Elections by Oct. 11; they must bring a photo ID with them. Oct. 10, a Monday, is a holiday, Columbus Day, and the elections office will be closed.

A full set of contested races was set for Mansfield as well, but a couple of candidates have dropped out and another candidate is considering her prospects.

Mayoral candidate Chris Fulmer and council candidate Theresa Smallwood both decided to drop out of the race after qualifying.

That means Estona Middlebrooks will be the next mayor, as Mayor William Cocchi decided he would not seek reelection. Incumbent Helen Robertson will also be reelected to council post 2.

Both Fulmer and Smallwood said they realized how much work the position would entail and decided they couldn't make that devotion.

"With much thought and consideration, I felt it was best if I withdrew from the Mansfield city council race for Post 2. With family and work responsibilities, I was unsure if I would be able to devote the time and attention the position would require and in which the position rightfully deserves," Smallwood said. "Mansfield is a great little town but we have so many opportunities to improve our town. I hope to find other ways to become more involved and hope that more citizens will do the same. We can all benefit by becoming more involved in our local towns and communities."

Post 4 candidate Lisa Dunn was still weighing her options, but her main concern was that the city have a devoted resident on the council, and she feels opponent David Nadell, who is retired, may ably fill the void.

There will be no contested races in either Newborn or Oxford.

Early voting is tentatively scheduled to begin Oct. 17; absentee ballots are currently available.