Early voting starts Aug. 13

Early voting for local Republican runoffs will be held Monday, Aug. 13, through Friday, Aug. 17, in the county registrar’s office at the government complex.

Three races are still up for grabs in the Republican Primary. Incumbent sheriff Kip Thomas is being challenged by former sheriff Clayton Lowe. The winner will face Democrat Brent Zellner in the general election in November. Thomas received 2,626 votes (43.1 percent) on July 31, while Lowe garnered 2,393 (39.3 percent) and Brenan Baird was eliminated from the race with 1,077 (17.7 percent).

Two Madison County citizens — Julie Phillips and John Sartain — are seeking the coroner’s post, which is being vacated by Michelle Cleveland. The winner won’t face opposition in November. Phillips received 2,110 votes (36.7 percent) July 31, while Sartain received 1,663 votes (28.9 percent).

Meanwhile, Doug Collins and Martha Zoller are vying for a chance to face Democrat Jody Cooley in November in the race for Georgia’s District 9 seat for the U.S. House of Representatives. Collins received 2,131 votes in Madison County July 31, while Zoller finished with 1,730 (32.3 percent).

Madison County citizens who voted in the Democratic primary cannot participate in the three Republican runoffs Aug. 21. However, anyone who voted on the Republican ballot may participate. Likewise, any registered voter who did not vote in the primaries can participate in the runoff.

Anyone with questions about the runoff elections is encouraged to call the registrar’s office at 706-795-6335.