Thousands of Carroll County voters will be headed to the polls today to cast ballots in the presidential election as well as several state and local contests.

Local voters will face cooler weather, with a high reaching only about 54 degrees, while the morning low will dip into the high 30s, with only a slight chance of rain, according to the National Weather Service.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all 30 county precincts. A photo ID will be required to receive a ballot.

Nearly a third of the county’s registered voters cast advanced ballots for today’s election. After the polls closed Friday, 19,686 Carroll County voters had voted early, about 33.1 percent of the 59,465 registered voters. At least that percentage and possibly more will cast ballots today. The turnout for the 2008 election was about 75 percent.

The major regional elections include a four-way contest in the special Republican primary for the District 30 state Senate seat, recently vacated by Bill Hamrick, who resigned to accept a judicial position.

Veteran legislators Bill Hembree of Winston and Glenn Richardson of Hiram are facing two political newcomers from Carrollton, Mike Dugan, a retired military officer and construction contractor, and Jim Naughton, former corporate manager and business consultant. If none of the candidates gets a majority of the votes, a runoff will be held Dec. 4. The eventual primary winner will face Libertarian candidate James Camp in the Jan. 8 special election.

Two state House races are being contested, Districts 18 and 69. In District 18, incumbent Republican Kevin Cooke faces a challenge from Democrat Pat Rhudy. In District 69, incumbent Republican Randy Nix faces Democrat Herbert Giles.

In another county contest with considerable voter interest, six-term incumbent coroner, Republican Sammy Eady, is facing a challenge from Democrat Ladonna Newell Frayar, who ran a close contest with Eady in the 2008 primary, when both were on the Democratic ticket.

Two municipalities are voting on Sunday alcohol sales. Roopville voters will decide if they want Sunday package sales of beer and wine, while Temple voters will consider Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages by the drink.

Carroll County voters will also have two contested state Public Service Commissioner posts on the ballot and two statewide constitutional amendment referendums to consider. Amendment one is the charter school amendment, while Amendment 2 would allow multi-year real estate rental agreements by state agencies.

Here are some other reminders for today’s voting offered by county election officials and state election law:

• Voters must go to their assigned precincts, since there is no voting in the county elections office on election day.

• Your precinct location is on your voting card. If you’re unsure of your precinct or which elections you’re voting in, go online to www.sos.ga.gov, and click on My Voting Page.

• No campaigning, in any manner or by any means or method, is allowed within 150 feet of the outer edge of any building within which a polling place is established. This includes signs (including signs on vehicles), T-shirts, and stickers.

• Voters are not allowed to discuss candidates among themselves or with the elections staff within any polling place or within 25 feet of any voter standing in line to vote at any polling place.

• Children under the age of 18 may accompany a parent into the voting booth. However, they may not be disruptive or interfere with the voting process, vote the ballot or operate any function of a voting machine.

• No elector shall be allowed to occupy a voting compartment or voting machine booth already occupied by another, except when giving assistance after completing required authorization form.

• No person shall use a cellular telephone or other electronic communication device once the person has entered the voting enclosure.

• No pets are allowed, only guide dogs and other service animals.

• Acceptable photo IDs include: any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free voter ID card issued by the county registrar’s office; Georgia driver’s license, even if expired; valid employee photo ID from any federal, state, city, county or municipal agency; valid U.S. passport; valid U.S. military photo ID; or valid tribal photo ID.

Election results will be posted tonight to the Georgia Secretary of State website at www.sos.georgia.gov/elections/election_results.