Lawrence voters will go to the polls Tuesday to narrow the field of candidates who will control the next City Commission, which is expected to tackle a long list of hefty issues in the next four years.

Voters will whittle the field from nine candidates to six when polls open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Polls will remain open until 7 p.m.

It’s time for voters to make up minds Candidates debate growth during final forum Threat of school closures draws candidates to Baldwin school board race Candidate selector Candidate profiles Candidate chats More in Election 2005

The candidates have had plenty of meaty issues to talk about on the campaign trail. Among the issues the next commission is expected to decide: an expansion or construction project for the Lawrence Public Library, which could run well over $20 million; how to react to a cost of growth study that could recommend the city add new development fees; strategies to address the city’s affordable housing issues; and new programs or funding to provide services to the community’s homeless individuals.

The next commission also will be the first in place since city commissioners implemented a ban on indoor smoking in public places. Three votes are all that is needed to change the city’s current ordinance, and candidates have been less than unanimous in their support for the ban.

Voters on Tuesday will be allowed to vote for three of the nine candidates. Voters will choose the three winners during the April 5 general election. The top two finishers will receive four-year terms. The third place finisher will receive a two-year term.