Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023
We’ll call this the Heads Up, Voter! edition of Soundings as the Sunday editor fills in again this week. First things first: Early voting has started for municipal elections in Coastal Georgia. Second: If you live in Chatham County Commission District 2, you’ve got a runoff election today. And last: Politics is part of democracy’s engine, but your vote drives the boat.
Changing laws, bipartisan work and participation
Democratic Party leaders in Chatham County gathered Monday morning to remind voters about early voting but mostly to call attention to the federal court ruling last week on Georgia’s voting law, SB202. The 2021 law has been a focus for both parties in various ways – some say it adds security to the system and others say it stymies access for voters. The law, which clamps down on ballot drop boxes, resets rules for absentee voting and polling places, was left in place by the judge as litigation continues.
The lawsuit, challenges and additional moves have created more confusion for all voters, state Rep. Anne Allen Westbrook (D-163) said Monday. “When we change the rules around voting as much as we do in Georgia, it’s a burden on the voters to keep up,” she said. “We have to keep in mind that we want people to participate.” One prime example of confusion is happening today: Chatham County’s runoff vote for one commission seat is happening concurrently with early voting for Savannah city elections. Signage for both events is visible throughout downtown, and voting precincts are open for the runoff but residents can’t take advantage of early voting for city office candidates while there. That’s only allowed in other locations. “All things are going on at different schedules by different methods,” Westbrook said. “Before 202, we had more leeway to put those things together potentially.”
Westbrook sees the political divides as infiltrating the bipartisan foundation of elections at local and state levels. “When the General Assembly takes actions that open the door to more and more partisan influence, it’s troubling,” she said, referring to the portions of SB202 that also allow counties to reconstitute their elections boards. Most county boards are constructed specifically to have a balance of representatives from each party with the onus of bipartisanship from the chair. “Bipartisanship has been the gold standard for how we want that work done,” she said.
Prepare: Cities and early voting
If you weren’t confused about elections already, here’s another piece: In Georgia, not every city votes the exact same way, so you’ll need to check your town’s web site for details on where to go. And, some councils have staggered terms for post and some don’t. For example, Hinesville’s entire list of council members and mayor are up for a vote. In Richmond Hill, two council members of four will be on the ballot this year. Here’s the point: Even if you’ve lived there for a while, check your registration, check your precinct and if your district (if there are districts) are up for election.
Still time to inform your choices
If you are still working through your votes for the various city elections, there are recordings galore and a few chances left to meet. In Pooler where there’s been a bit of consternation, there’s one more public forum. One candidate for Pooler City Council added “incumbent” to her resume last week when she was appointed to fill a vacant seat by the mayor. Candidates for mayor and city council will gather at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at Mitsubishi Power Americas, 1000 Pine Meadow Dr. The event is sponsored by the Pooler Chamber of Commerce. And in Savannah, all city office candidates are invited to participate Sunday, Oct. 22, at a meet and greet at the general mass meeting of the Savannah Branch NAACP. That’s from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bethlehem Missionary Baptists Church, 1008 May St. If you are looking for forum recordings of Savannah mayor and council for at-large post 1, at-large post 2 and council districts 2 and 3, and district 4 candidates, we’ve linked some here. Also, here’s The Current’s Q&A with Savannah mayoral candidates about public safety issues facing the city.
Runoff reminder: Chatham District 2
If you live in downtown Savannah, you may have a pressing special election vote today for Chatham County Commission, District 2. Malinda Scott Hodge faces David Tootle. Hodge is a former county elections board member, and Tootle is a Savannah Republican district chair. He’s sued the city over the renaming of the Susie King Taylor Square, formerly known as Calhoun Square. In the first vote, 1,208 ballots were cast for a 4.78% turnout rate. Look here to find your precinct.
Your Soundings editor returns next week, send him a tip at craig.thecurrent@gmail.com.
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