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Blackshear, Patterson to choose leaders

Deadline for voter registration October 6

Voter registration deadline for this year’s municipal elections in Blackshear and Patterson will be Monday, October 6.

Those wishing to register can do so at the Board of Elections at 312 Nichols Street, Blackshear. Voters can also check their voter registration, change their address or register online at mvp.sos.ga.gov.

Blackshear will have a contested mayor’s race.

Incumbent Mayor Keith Brooks drew challenges from Gena Harris and Marie S.

Rainge.

The mayor’s seat will be on all city ballots in the election. Blackshear currently has 2,229 registered voters who are eligible to cast ballots in the mayor’s race.

There will be no other contested races in Blackshear.

Mitch Hall will run unopposed for district three, Charles Broady will run unopposed for district four and Dr. Corey Lesseig will run unopposed for district five.

Lesseig is the only incumbent. Hall replaces Chuck Ward who is stepping down after a single term. Broady replaces Theodore Mackey, who is stepping down after a single term. Broady previously served on the council.

All three will take office for the new terms begin Patterson will have contested elections for two city council seats.

Incumbent Jim Echols and Ray Douberly are running for the district two seat, while Incumbent David Smith, David Bowen and Racquell Scott will face off for the district four post.

Mayor R. D. “Dedi” Thomas Jr. is running unopposed for another term as mayor.

Patterson currently has 526 registered voters who are eligible to cast ballots in the mayor’s race and both council seats.

The municipal election in Offerman has been cancelled after all seats were filled and no challengers qualified this year.

Incumbents Tommy Colley, Wade Gill and Vivian Milledge all signed up to run for re-election and no other candidates qualified for any of the seats.

Early voting will start Tuesday, October 14 and continue through Friday, October 31. Saturday voting will be held October 18 and 25. Early voting will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, including the two Saturdays. There will be no early voting Monday, Oct. 13 due to the Columbus Day holiday and there will be no early voting Monday, Nov. 3.

Polls will be open election day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

In addition to the municipal elections scheduled for Blackshear and Patterson, a county-wide ESPLOST referendum and a statewide special general election for two public service commission seats will also be held Nov. 4.