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Early Voting for Georgia PSC Special Primaries Underway

Residents make their voices heard during the early voting period for the Georgia Public Service Commission special primaries.

News Summary

Early voting for the Special Primaries for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission is now open, allowing residents to influence utility regulation. Voting continues until June 13, with additional opportunities for absentee ballots. Incumbent Tim Echols faces off against challenger Lee Muns in District 2. Important developments include no expected rate increases for Georgia Power in the upcoming years, promising relief for consumers. The outcomes of these primaries will significantly affect utility regulation and pricing in the state.

Augusta—Early voting for the Special Primaries for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is now underway, offering residents a chance to participate in shaping utility regulation in the state. The PSC, which plays a critical role in overseeing utility rates, is set to have its voters make key decisions that will influence costs for electricity, telephone, and natural gas services.

Voting for the primaries is open from Tuesday until June 13, with polls set to open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on June 17 for the official election day. Voters are required to cast their ballots at their assigned precincts and must present one of six acceptable forms of photo ID to participate in the voting process. For those unable to vote in-person, absentee ballots can be requested now until June 6, with the mailing period for these ballots also closing on that day.

In Augusta, early voting locations are available on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Additionally, special weekend voting is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, and Saturday, June 7, during the same hours, with extra voting opportunities on Sunday, June 9, in the Linda W. Beazley Room.

There are a total of eight candidates vying for the PSC seats in Districts 2 and 3. In District 2, the incumbent, Tim Echols, is running against Republican challenger Lee Muns. Echols, who has been a part of the PSC since 2010 and currently serves as its vice-chairman, faces competition from Muns, a mechanical contractor from Harlem with experience related to contract work at nuclear facilities, including Plant Vogtle, all of which fall under PSC regulation.

An important aspect of this election is the recent announcement from the PSC and Georgia Power regarding utility rates. They confirmed that there would be no expected rate increase in 2025, and for the next three years, Georgia Power’s base rates are frozen at their current levels. This development has been a relief for many consumers who depend on these services.

The upcoming winners of these primaries will continue into a special statewide election scheduled for November 4, 2025. It is noteworthy that these elections were initially set for November 2024 but have been postponed due to an ongoing lawsuit concerning the at-large election format for PSC members.

Richmond County election officials have pledged to provide daily updates on advance vote totals leading up to the June 17 election, keeping the public informed about participation rates. Voter participation is essential, especially amidst community concerns surrounding utility regulations and their direct impact on household expenses.

In a coinciding report, law enforcement officials across Georgia have noted an increase in traffic crashes and driving violations during this election period, emphasizing the need for public safety as residents head to the polls.

As voters engage in this crucial electoral process, the outcomes of these primaries will significantly influence the direction of utility regulation and pricing in Georgia for years to come.