Voters in Banks County can cast their ballots early in the Nov. 3 county and city elections. Early voting started Tuesday and continues through Friday, Oct. 30.
Early and advance voting for the county election is held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day in the registrar’s office in the Banks County Courthouse Annex. Homer residents who wish to vote early can do so at the county registrar’s office, also.
Voters have to go in person and show their identification in order to vote early, Banks County Probate Judge Betty Thomas reported. Voters who wish to vote by absentee ballot can call and request a ballot over the phone, Thomas advised.
The county election is for two new seats on the Banks County Board of Commission.
In Post 2, which includes Baldwin, Hollingsworth, Columbia, Berlin and Washington, four candidates qualified: Fred Wendt, Ray Holcomb, Neal Pulliam and Ernest Rogers.
In Post 4, which covers the Homer and Anderson districts, Robin Trotter, Charles Turk and Jerry Loftice qualified.
Two new commissioners will be elected on Nov. 3 expanding the Banks County Board of Commission to five members. If a run-off is necessary, it will be held on Dec. 1. Last year, Banks County voters overwhelmingly supported expanding the three-member board to five members.
In Homer, incumbent mayor Doug Cheek will face challenger Sandra Garrison, who is now a member of the city council.
BALDWIN
Early voting in Baldwin is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 30 at the Habersham County Registrar’s Office in the courthouse in Clarkesville.
Incumbent mayor Mike Kelley will face Jerry Neace. In the Post 4 council seat, Jeff Parrish and Michael Parker qualified.
LULA
Lula residents wanting to vote early can do so each day through Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lula City Hall.
Incumbent mayor Milton Turner will face Paul Cox. In the District 2 council race, incumbent Vicky Chambers will face Bruce Lane Jr.