HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN) — Exactly four weeks from Tuesday, voters in Houston County will be heading to the polls to cast their ballots for county commissioners and commission chairman.

District 4, one of the fastest-growing districts in Houston County, is just one district where voters will be choosing a new leader since the incumbent, Brandon Shoupe, is running for commission chairman.

The current elected officials in the Houston County Commission could be completely different after the election, with four of the five seats currently up for grabs.

Vanita McLain and James Ivey are candidates running for the District 4 seat. They claim they are both ready to help that part of the county continue to grow.

McLain is a Dothan resident and business owner. She says she is ready to make the entire county, not just District 4, more desirable to live in. She said voters tell her the person who takes over Commissioner Shoupe’s seat needs to be someone who is invested and can make responsible decisions for the county.

“They are also concerned about the community as a whole as far as education and as far as kids are getting as far as education,” McLain said.

In addition to better education, and improving roads and bridges. McLain said she will bring better communication and transparency to the commission, as well as improved quality of life.

“Anything we can do that will create an environment that people like to live in and people like to raise their kids,” McLain said.

“There is a lot of support around Houston County. Period. Not just around District 4, and it’s just a family environmental place,” Ivey said. “I like to see a little more growth in the westside for the families to be involved in.”

Ivey is a Captain with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. He said voters tell him one major issue they have is problems with infrastructure and technology within the county.

He claims he will work to bring more development to District 4, specifically around Brannon Stand, where Dothan City limits meet Houston County limits.

“Our area is growing vastly,” Ivey said. “There are things that part of the county are lacking that I would like to work with and try to help those people receive the same stuff that the city does.”

Ivey tells WDHN that there are areas in District 4 that have no access to broadband internet, water, or sewer. He believes his plans to bring those vital resources will continue to help growth.

Both candidates want to emphasize the importance of everyone living in the county going out and letting their voices be heard.

The last day to register to vote for this primary is May 9, with the actual primary being held on May 24.