Early reports show that turnouts were high at polling stations in Mount Vernon as residents voted in the city's Democratic mayoral primary.

Incumbent Mayor Ernie Davis is facing four challengers in the primary. Should he win, he will square off in the general election in an attempt to secure a fifth term in office.

The 76-year-old mayor has faced scandal and biting criticism, but insists that he is the best candidate for the job.

"We believe that people will see through all that, and at the end of the day it's who can run this city," Davis says.

Former Mayor Clinton Young says he hopes voters will give him another shot at his old job.

"I feel that I do have the best message and the best plan to move this city forward," Clinton says.

Longtime state Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson says she's hoping voters are not turned off by the heated rhetoric in the race.

"People understand the election process is what it is, but that governance is very different," Hassell-Thompson says.

City Councilman Richard Thomas attended the polls with his family, telling reporters, "Right now we have to start a new chapter, start fresh and look to bring some new ideas, new energy, new leadership to the city."

Veteran city Comptroller Maureen Walker, who lost the last mayoral race four years ago by just 101 votes, says it's she who would provide the new leadership voters want.

"I've proven myself," she says. "I honestly believe I'm the best candidate for the job because I have the expertise."