Marengo County voters went to the polls on Tuesday for a special primary statewide election that will narrow the field for those seeking to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions who is now serving as the U.S. Attorney General.

On the Democrat ballot, Doug Jones dominated in Marengo County, collected 1,050 votes. The closest to Jones was Robert Kennedy Jr. with 188.

In the Republican race, it was closer with former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore placing first across the county with 747 votes to Luther Strange’s 574 votes.  Strange was appointed to fill Session’s seat by then-governor Robert Bentley. Mo Brooks placed fourth with 127 votes behind Trip Pittman who came in third with 177 votes.

A total of 3,002 votes were cast in the primary with 1,645 choosing the Republican ballot and 1,357 voting the Democrat ballot.  All results are uncertified.

Statewide, Jones was leading comfortably as of press time Tuesday evening. State results being reported at press time also showed Moore leading Strange, but a runoff will likely be needed to determine the winner for Republicans.

The primary marked the first time Marengo County utilized electronic poll books, which received high marks from voters, according to Probate Judge Laurie Hall.

“The special election went smoothly today in Marengo County, due in part to the implementation of electronic poll books in various voting locations throughout the county,” Hall said. “Voter feedback was very positive, noting quick and easy check-in, ease of use, no wait time and smooth flow getting into and out of poll locations.”

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, August 16, print edition of the Demopolis Times.)