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If you are a Democrat voting in Tuesday's primary election, you do not have much to choose from. If you are a Republican, you have no choice at all.

There is not one contested race on the Republican ballot and five out of the 10 spots lack any candidate at all.

The shortage of competition has local election officials predicting there will be a small voter turnout.

"It has been very quiet in the office, so let's hope for 15 percent turnout," said Maryann Drain of the Attleboro election commission. "I think people are focused on November."

On the Democratic side, there are primary races for U.S. Senate, Governor's Council and Bristol County Register of Probate. The big contest in Attleboro is the Democratic primary for state representative between City Councilor Bill Bowles and former Councilor Kate Jackson.

The winner faces Republican George Ross, also a city councilor, on Nov. 4 for the right to succeed state Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro, who is retiring.

The district includes all of Attleboro except Precinct 3B.

Bowles has been running on his financial knowledge from his years as the council finance committee chairman.

Jackson has been emphasizing her ability to form relations with other officials in order to get things done.

Another contest getting a lot of attention is for the relatively obscure post of Bristol County Register of Probate. The campaign has been low key in the Attleboro area, but it's red hot in the Fall River and New Bedford area.

There is an opening for the $110,000-a-year job because 36-year incumbent Robert Peck is retiring.

Lawns in Fall River and New Bedford are littered with signs touting the candidates running. The candidates also have sent out several mailings and done telephone canvassing.

Four of the candidates are Democrats: John DeJesus of Somerset, Gina DeRossi of Dartmouth and David Dennis and John O'Neil, both of Fall River.

Primary voters will select one of the Democrats to run against Robert Heroux, a Republican from Taunton, and Roy Santos, an unenrolled candidate from New Bedford, in November. Another Democratic primary for a little-known elective office features incumbent governor's council member Kelly Timilty of Canton against challenger Bob Jubinville of Milton. Jubinville has been advertising heavily through direct mail literature to voters.

The winner of the primary will take the seat on the council because there is no Republican candidate.

U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., finds himself with a primary battle for the first time in years.

Political newcomer Edward O'Reilly, a defense attorney from Gloucester, is running against the former presidential candidate.

Republican Jeff Beatty is waiting in the wings to face the winner of the Democratic primary.

The polls across the area will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

JIM HAND covers politics for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0399 or at jhand@thesunchronicle.com.