Election officials say rain, lightning and rumbling thunder are dampening the early voting in Tuesday's Mississippi's congressional primary runoffs. The races already were expected to see a light turnout.

Lauderdale County circuit clerk Donna Jill Johnson said rain typically hurts voter turnout. Johnson said she had hoped for a good turnout.

A spot check of other counties in the 1st District and the 3rd District indicated early light voter interest, especially in areas with thunderstorms.

In central Mississippi, the 3rd District Republican runoff is between two attorneys from Rankin County, Gregg Harper of Pearl and former state Sen. Charlie Ross of Brandon.

In north Mississippi, the 1st District Republican primary is between Southaven Mayor Greg Davis and former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough, Jr. The 1st District Democratic primary is between Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers of Booneville and state Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m. There were no runoffs in the state's two other congressional districts.

Winners advance to the Nov. 4 general election.