VALDOSTA – Slightly more than 150 registered Lowndes County voters cast ballots during the first two weeks of early voting in the House District 176 special election.

One-hundred-fifty-two voters had cast ballots by end of day Friday, Feb. 1, according to the Lowndes County elections board.

The third and final week of early voting continues this week.

Four candidates are vying for the seat vacated by Jason Shaw at the beginning of the year. Shaw took a position with the state Public Service Commission.

District 176 is made up of portions of Lowndes, Atkinson, Lanier and Ware counties.

According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, the candidates are:

— James Burchett, an attorney from Waycross (Republican);

— Barbara Griffin, a social worker from Waycross (Democrat);

— Franklin Patten, a businessman from Lakeland (Republican);

— Barbara Seidman, a retiree from Waycross (Democrat).

Early voting continues weekdays this week at the Lowndes County Board of Elections, 2808 N. Oak St.

Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 12. Ballots can be cast then 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at designated polling places.

More information: Contact the Lowndes County Board of Elections, (229) 671-2850; or e-mail elections@lowndescounty.com.