Voting machines are ready in our lobbies for Thursday’s Democratic primary — a rare contest between rival Democratic clubs for the obscure position of judicial delegate and the even more obscure position of alternate judicial delegate.

The two competing slates are supported by the local Harry S. Truman Democratic Club, long the power base of Assemblyman (nee Speaker) Sheldon Silver, and the Downtown Independent Democrats, whose leadership called for Silver’s resignation almost immediately after federal charges were announced against him in January.

Judicial delegates will attend a party convention to select nominees for the New York State Supreme Court. These positions have long been held by party insiders; Silver himself has been a delegate many times in the past.

Both Democratic clubs have mailed or hand-delivered palm cards to our coop over the past week, which you can see below. (Click each picture for a larger image.)