NORTH ATTLEBORO - Voters go to the polls to narrow the field of candidates for selectman and electric commission in today's preliminary election.

Voters in Precincts 3 and 9 will cast their ballots at Showcase Cinemas on Route 1, while voters in all other precincts will cast their ballots at North Attleboro High School.

Polling places will be open from noon to 8 p.m.

There are five candidates running for two seats on the board of selectmen - meaning voters will narrow the field by one.

Candidates running for the board are: Incumbent John Rhyno, who is seeking a fourth term on the board and is the owner of John & Ed's Garage. He has said his top priority will be to improve town government by creating efficiencies and cutting costs.

Planning board member Christopher Sweet, a financial services professional with New York Life, who has said his top priority will be to preserve jobs and make cuts to the budget.

Political newcomer David Scanlan, a store manager for CVS, who has said his top priority will be improving the transparency and openness of town government.

Former Representative Town Meeting member Walter Matthis, who is retired, and has said his top priority is change, commitment, communication and cooperation.

Planning board member Joan Marchitto, who owns a dental sales business, who has said her top priority is working on a prioritized financial plan.

While there are three candidates listed on the ballot in the race for an electric commission seat, one has dropped out.

Richard Miller withdrew from the race too late to have his name taken off the ballot, saying he has unresolved issues with the electric department so he did not think it was fair to run.

Still in the running are:

Incumbent Thomas Corrigan, a retired firefighter who is running for a third term on the board. He said his top priority is keeping electric rates stable.

Michael Forbes, the director of the Mansfield Housing Authority, who has said his top priority will be purchasing power as cheaply as possible to keep the rates low. The candidates with the most votes in the preliminary election will face off at the town election on April 7.

AMY DeMELIA can be reached at 508-236-0334 or at ademelia@thesunchronicle.com.