Richmond County voters to make some important decisions on election day
AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- Tuesday, May 21 is Georgia’s Primary Election Day and in Richmond County voters have several major decisions to make.
One of those decisions is whether or not to vote the Democratic or Republican ticket. There are two major races on the Democratic ballot that many Republicans want a say in.
The races for Richmond County Sheriff and District Attorney are only on the Democratic ballot. That’s because only Democrats are running for the office.
In Georgia you do not have to register with a political party when you vote. This means you can vote for whichever party you want to. But you will only be voting for candidates who are running under the party you choose.
Aiken County parents upset at rumored school closings
This does not mean you have to vote for that party in November’s General Election. But, if Tuesday’s election results in a runoff, people who voted Democrat WILL have to vote Democrat again in that special election.
This has caused some upset and confusion among Richmond County Republican voters who want to vote in the races for Sheriff and D.A.
“Because it is a primary, the people who are running are being nominated. They’re not being elected. They’re being nominated by that party to then go on to the November ballot, the general election ballot. And that’s when they will be elected. What people are unhappy about, is because there’s not candidates on both sides,” explained Travis Doss, Richmond County Board of Elections Director.
Voters also have referendums and questions to answer. The big one is “Should Augusta’s mayor get a vote at commission meetings?”
Hometown History: Burke County’s two battles of the American Revolution
As of right now, the mayor only gets a vote on issues as a tie breaker. Mayor Garnett Johnson recently asked state law makers to add a referendum to the ballot giving him a vote. Many commissioners are not happy about it, but now it’s in the hands of the voters.
Mayor Johnson wants people to give him that vote and believes having one will allow him to get more done for Augusta.
“This is not an added power grab by the mayor. This is not an added expansion of power or duties of the mayor. This is simply an equal vote that was granted to the mayor under the original intent of our charter,” said Mayor Johnson.
Mayor Johnson’s request is supported by several former Augusta mayors including Bob Young, Hardie Davis and Deke Copenhaver.
Polls are open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Photojournalist: Dania Alawir.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
