Countdown to the Election

Sara Fuchs

With Election Day just a week and half away, I know everyone is ready to stop the bombardment of television ads, texts and mailers! Trust me, the candidates are ready for the finish line, too. It's also the time when attack ads come out. It seems that the GOP is heavily focused on tying crime to Democratic candidates. I've even seen mailers saying that I want to defund the police (!), which is news to me since I supported pay raises for Georgia State Troopers, increased staffing of state troopers for departments critical to the metro Atlanta area and even continuing education programs that would allow law enforcement professionals to get their criminal justice degrees at no or little cost. Don't believe everything you see in an attack ad!

Meanwhile, I was among several legislators who spoke out this week when GOP candidate and former House member Deborah Silcox sent a mailer insinuating that she would be a better choice for the open seat in HD53 because her children are grown and require less attention. This was a pretty obvious dig at Dr. Kelly Coffman, the respected physician and mother of three, who is running as a Democrat for that seat. Are we really reverting back to a time when women are told they can't have a career and be a parent? Is having young kids a disqualifier for public service? You can read more of our thoughts in the op-ed piece below.

And you can donate to Dr. Kelly Coffman's campaign here!

This is the last WEEKEND for early voting! The polls are open 7 am - 7 pm on Saturday, & 11 am - 5 pm on Sunday.

You can vote at any early polling location in Fulton County. The closest locations to District 54 are Buckhead Library & Chastain Park Recreation Center.

Early voting is also available next week, Monday thru Friday, 7 am - 7 pm.

TODAY, 10/28, is the last day to request an absentee ballot. More information is available here.

Voting FAQ

1. I requested an absentee ballot, but it never came. What do I do?
You can vote early or on election day, even if you have requested an absentee ballot. Tell the poll worker that you applied for a ballot, but it never came. They will ask you to sign an affidavit swearing you haven't voted, and you will be allowed to vote.

2. How do I return my absentee ballot?
You can return your absentee ballot at one of the dropboxes located at early voting locations. One is available at Buckhead Library. These dropboxes are only available during early voting hours. Dropboxes are not available on Election Day.
You can also mail your ballot, but it must arrive by 7 pm on Election Day.
You can also drop off your ballot at one of Fulton county's Registrar & Elections offices:
130 Peachtree St SW, Suite 2186, Atlanta, GA
7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA
5600 Stonewall Tell Road, South Fulton, GA

3. What do I do if I have problems at the polls?
Call the Voter Protection Hotline: 888-730-5816
Do not leave! You can always request a provisional ballot. You then have three days to "cure" the ballot by going to the County Elections Office to provide the documentation requested.

4. Can I vote at Buckhead Library on Election Day?
You can only vote at Buckhead Library if that is your polling precinct. You can find your polling precinct by logging into the Georgia My Voter Page. Precincts change! It's good to double check before you go.

5. Can I use my phone to research my ballot options while I'm at the ballot box?
You cannot. It's best to print out your sample ballot ahead of time, and bring it with you. You can download a copy of your sample ballot on the Georgia My Voter Page.

6. Do I need to bring ID?
Yes! Acceptable forms of identification are: a valid state or federal government-issued photo ID, a Georgia driver's license (even if expired), student ID from a Georgia public college or university, valid employee photo government ID, US passport, US military ID, or tribal photo ID.