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Early in-person voting has begun at the Troup County Government Center for the special election to fill the unexpired District 1 LaGrange City Council seat.

Challenger Terry Stanford will face off against Jim Arrington as he tries to regain his seat on June 20.

Early voting began on Tuesday rather than Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday. Advanced voting will continue Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until June 16 at the government center.

Two weekend early voting days will be available starting Saturday, June 3, and the following Saturday, June 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Two-term councilman Jim Arrington gave up his council seat in January to run for mayor against Willie Edmondson. Both men had to resign from their council seats to seek the position.

Edmondson and Arrington stepped down the day prior to qualifying to allow for District 2 runner-up Quay Boddie to be appointed to Edmondson’s former seat. The move allowed the council to maintain a quorum and continue conducting city business.

Arrington is seeking to regain his former seat after the unsuccessful mayoral bid.

Both candidates are still seeking support from the voters as the election nears. Stanford thanked his supporters as the initial voters make their decisions.

“Today is a great day. Early voting has begun. Thank you for all your support thus far. It’s been a pleasure serving my community in the automotive repair industry. I look forward to serving you in a new way on city council. Always remember, your vote is your voice. God bless,” Stanford said.

Arrington also asked his supporters for their vote. The candidate is hoping his experience will help him earn his former council seat back.

“I am asking all of my supporters to get out and cast their vote because turnout will be very low in this June special election for city council.  We need to elect experience, stability and common sense. We have seen enough change in the last 6 months,” Arrington said, asking citizens for their District 1 vote.

Both candidates will face-off in a forum hosted by the LaGrange-Troup Chamber of Commerce and The LaGrange Daily News on June 8 at 6 p.m. The forum will be live-streamed on the LDN Facebook page.