Richmond County early voters made a final big push Friday, sending a daily record in the May 21 election of 1,666 to an advance voting site.
Friday was the last opportunity to vote early in Tuesday’s general primary and special election. On the ballot are local contests for sheriff, district attorney, Augusta commission, superior court judge and a referendum on giving Augusta’s mayor a vote.
Voting Friday brought the advance voting total to 9,434, which is 7.4% of all active registered voters. In the 2022 primary and general election, more than 10% had voted at this point, according to Elections Director Travis Doss.
In Columbia County where voters are deciding two Republican primaries for county commission, a special election to replace Gary Richardson and a state House seat, about 3,631 or 3.4% had advance voted Friday.
Tuesday, voters must use their assigned polling places.
MORE: Richmond County polling places
MORE: Columbia County polling places
Democratic ballots heavily favored
Early Richmond County voters have chosen a Democratic ballot over a Republican or independent ballot by more than 9 to 1. As of Friday, 8,144 had used a Democratic ballot. The largest turnout was at Augusta Municipal Building, where 3,291 voted early.
The Democratic ballot includes the two challengers against Sheriff Richard Roundtree, Bo Johnson and Gino Rock Brantley, as well as the primary challenge against District Attorney Jared Williams by Amber Brantley.
Supporters of the challengers are urging voters to use a Democratic ballot to oust the incumbents.
Who voted the most?
According to data collected by the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, commission District 4 – where there is no commission election – had the highest early voting turnout. Some 1,541 voted early there, with the most, 733, from Precinct 405, which votes at Diamond Lakes Regional Park.
In District 1, where incumbent Commissioner Jordan Johnson faces challenges from Matt Aitken, Jo’Rae Jenkins and Kenny Osorio, 917 voted early. The highest turnout with 191 was Precinct 104 where voters are assigned to Eastview Community Center.
In District 3, where incumbent Catherine Smith McKnight faces a challenge from retired educator Carol Jones Yancy, 1,280 have voted early. The most were 442 who have cast ballots from Precinct 310, which is Yancy’s precinct.
In District 5, where incumbent Bobby Williams faces a challenge from Don “DC” Clark, 1,255 voted early, with the most, 331, from District 506 which votes at Sharon Baptist Church.
The second-highest early voting turnout was at Warren Road Community Center, where 1,305 voted early. The most were from Precinct 706, which votes at Warren Road on Election Day.
