News Summary
Early voting has commenced in select counties across the Central Savannah River Area, allowing residents to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Voters must adhere to deadlines for absentee ballot applications and acceptable forms of photo ID. Richmond County has a special election on June 17, with advance voting scheduled. This is a critical time for citizens to ensure they are informed about voting requirements as they prepare to participate in the electoral process.
Augusta, GA – Early voting begins in select counties throughout the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) on Tuesday, giving voters the opportunity to cast ballots ahead of Election Day on November 4. Residents planning to vote must adhere to strict deadlines regarding absentee ballot applications and voting procedures.
Voters in the CSRA must ensure their absentee ballot applications are submitted to their local election offices by October 24. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and each voter must visit their assigned precinct to cast their ballot. To vote, individuals are required to present one of six acceptable forms of photo ID.
Additionally, absentee voting by mail is available until the October 24 deadline. To obtain an absentee ballot, voters must send a completed absentee ballot application to the Columbia County Board of Elections office. Voters can check their online registration status, find polling locations, view sample ballots, or request absentee ballot applications by visiting www.mvp.sos.ga.gov or by calling 706-868-3355.
Special Election Details in Richmond County
Richmond County voters have a separate deadline of May 19 to register for a special election for the Georgia Public Service Commission. The primary election for this position will take place on June 17, with polling hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. In-person voting for the special election will require a valid photo ID.
Advance Voting Schedule
Advance voting for the special election is scheduled from May 27 to June 13 at designated locations. Voting hours for advance voting are set from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours available on select Saturdays and Sundays.
Municipal Election Registration Deadlines
The deadline to register for municipal elections in Georgia is set for October 6. All mailed registration applications must be postmarked by this date. Early voting for the Georgia Public Service Commission primaries has already concluded, and upcoming in-person voting on Election Day will require voters to visit their assigned precincts between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Early Voting Statistics
As of the last report, Columbia County has seen 939 early voters cast their ballots, while Richmond County has reported 1,634 early voters. These numbers indicate active participation from residents in both counties as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
Georgia Public Service Commission Candidates
In the contest for the Georgia Public Service Commission, seven candidates are running for two open seats representing Districts 2 and 3. The candidates for District 2 include Democrat Alicia Johnson and Republicans Tim Echols and Lee Muns. For District 3, Democrats Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones, Keisha Sean Waites, and Republican Fitz Johnson are in the race. A ruling has determined that votes for Democrat Daniel Blackman will not count due to residency issues.
Judicial Rulings Affecting Elections
A recent federal court ruling sided with Democratic state attorneys general, blocking former President Trump’s attempt to alter U.S. elections. This decision may have implications for voter regulations and election processes.
All citizens are encouraged to participate in the electoral process and ensure they are informed about voting requirements and deadlines as the critical dates approach.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Early Voting Hours and Locations in CSRA
- Wikipedia: Voting in the United States
- Augusta Chronicle: Election Day in Central Georgia
- Google Search: Voting process in Georgia
- WRDW: Special Runoff Early Voting Announcement
- Google Scholar: Georgia public service commission elections
- WRDW: Deadline to Register to Vote in Georgia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- WRDW: Decision Day for GA Public Service Commission
- Google News: Georgia public service commission
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
