The special election to fill the vacant Selma City Council position representing Ward 3 is barely two months away, but there is already a lot of interest in those residents seeking election and already one who has backed out of the race.

Tom Headley, Greg Bjelke, Karl Lewis and Sherrette Spicer have all qualified and, as of Wednesday afternoon, remain in the race. Nancy Smith, who has qualified for the race, still remains an official candidate but has told friends she is no longer running and will now support Bjelke.

“I have spoken with Greg and let him know that I will not run against him for the open council seat,” Smith told supporters in an email Sunday. “Greg and I have basically the same goals and I think he will make a fine councilman. My new slogan will be ‘Go Greg.’”

Smith confirmed Wednesday she did send the email and was supporting Bjelke. She said she had sent an email to Selma City Clerk Ivy Harrison of her intention to withdraw from the race.

As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, Harrison was not aware of Smith’s intention and still listed Smith as a qualified candidate.

The election will be held Tuesday, May 24 and will be open to those registered voters who live in Selma’s Ward 3, which roughly covers the areas known as the Old Town, Riverview and Ice House districts.

Those interested in entering the race have until Friday, April 8 at 5 p.m. to register with the city clerk’s office.

The qualifying fee is $35 and a resident must have been a resident of the Ward 3 area for at least 90 days at the time of the May 24 election.