WEST POINT, Miss.--The Nov. 27 death of state Sen. Bennie Turner left a vacuum that is expected to be filled today with a special election. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in parts of Clay, Lowndes, Oktibbeha and Noxubee counties. Turner represented the area for over 20 years, helping craft the formula for the Miss. Adequate Education Program (MAEP), which is used in funding public education.

Running for the post are Turner's daughter, Angela Turner Lairy, and Kenny Fowler.

Turner was 64 when he died. His funeral was held in his hometown of West Point. Lairy announced she was running not long after his death.