Election day is almost here.
Pierce County voters will vote in the Republican, Democratic and non-partisan primary election next Tuesday, May 19.
Turnout during the early voting period has been low. At press time Monday, only 884 residents had cast ballots, out of a total of active, registered voters.
Those numbers are significantly lower than the 1,046 who had voted by this point in 2024 and the 1,150 who had cast ballots by the same point in 2022. Turn out in both those elections was less than 25 percent.
Voters are encouraged to cast ballots in the election.
In the only county-wide race on the ballot, Incumbent County Chairman Neal Bennett will face challenger Austin Boatright.
In district two, retail manager Jason Christmas, former Blackshear Mayor Dick Larson and contractor Jerry Ed Rich Jr. will be on the Republican ballot.
If no candidate receives 50 percent plus one, a run-off election will be held Tuesday, June 16.
The winner of the Republican race will succeed current second district commissioner Graham Raley. Raley announced earlier this year he is moving out of district two next year and would not run for reelection.
Voters in district four will choose between incumbent David Lowman and challenger Austin Moore.
All candidates are running as Republicans, meaning the races will be settled May 19 or by June 16, if a run-off is necessary in district 2.
Voters will also make their choices for Republican and Democratic nominees on a number of federal, statewide and district offices including U.S. Senate, the first District seat for U.S. Congress, Governor, Lieutentant Governor and all state constitutional offices.
Early voting for the May 19 primary election is already underway.
Early voting will be held from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. through this Friday, May 15. All early voting will take place at the Courthouse Annex, 312 Nichols St, Blackshear.
There will be no early voting Monday, May 18.
Election Day will be May 19. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Pierce County Gym on College Avenue in Blackshear and Eagle Station on Williams Street in Patterson. Voters can check their polling place at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
Voters are also reminded to bring a physical photo identification. Cell phone photos taken of the identification will not be acceptable.
For more information, please call the board of elections office at (912) 4492028.
