Voters across the nation will go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 4, to elect candidates in a wide range of local, state and federal races.
Here in Georgia, state-wide races for governor and U.S.Senate promise to be the big draw for voters. First term Republican incumbent governor Nathan Deal is running for re-election against Democratic State Senator Jason Carter and Libertarian Andrew Hunt. An open U.S. Senate seat – vacated by two-term incumbent Saxby Chambliss (R) who retired earlier this year – unleashed a wave of interest among contenders. Eight Republicans vied for the job during primary season. Republican nominee David Perdue squares off against Democrat Michelle Nunn at the polls Tuesday.
Locally, here in Habersham the ballot includes uncontested races for state senator and state representative, two county commission and three school board seats. All local and locally-elected state candidates are Republican.
If contested races for governor and U.S. Senate aren’t enough to get voters to the polls in Habersham, SPLOST VI might. Voters will decide the fate of the heavily debated special local option sales tax on Tuesday. If approved, the penny-on-the-dollar tax is projected to raise $37.5 million over the next six years. The money would be used to fund a variety of local projects aimed at enhancing public safety and economic development in the community. Proposed projects include: county-wide road construction and repairs, bridge repairs and upgrades, public safety vehicle purchases and repairs, enhancements to Habersham County’s industrial park in Baldwin, expansion of the Habersham County landfill, construction of a fire station in Turnerville and a 20% pay down of the bond debt assumed by the county to purchase Habersham Medical Center.
A similar measure was defeated by voters last November. Opponents argue the SPLOST projects are too broad and not all of them are needed. Proponents say SPLOST VI is vital to Habersham County’s public health and safety and overall economic development.
Polls are open Tuesday from 7am-7pm. You must vote at your regularly assigned precinct on election day. Precinct North is located in the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center located at 120 Paul Franklin Road in Clarkesville. Precinct South is located in the Historic Depot located at 102 Clarkesville Street in Cornelia. City precincts are open in various locations.
If you’re unsure of which precinct you’re assigned to, contact the county elections office at 706-839-0170 or visit www.mvp.sos.ga.gov online.
To review the general election ballot click here.
