Today is Election Day in Chattooga County and across Georgia, with voters heading to the polls to decide races for governor, the United States Senate, Congress, state legislative seats and several important local ballot questions.

Polls are open today from 7 AM until 7 PM. All Election Day voting in Chattooga County takes place at voters’ assigned local precincts. There is no Election Day voting at the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office, which served as an early voting location. Voters who are in line by 7 PM will be allowed to cast their ballots.

Among the statewide contests, Republican Rick Jackson faces Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in the governor’s race, while Republican Mike Collins challenges Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff for the United States Senate.

In Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, Republican incumbent Clay Fuller faces Democrat Shawn Harris.

Two state legislative races are also on the ballot for Chattooga County voters. In State Senate District 53, Republican incumbent Lanny Thomas faces Democrat John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk. In State House District 12, Republican incumbent Eddie Lumsden faces Democrat Holly Chaney.

Locally, three Chattooga County Board of Education seats are on the ballot. Incumbents Tiffany T. Lawrence in District 2, Lori Ann Brady in District 3 and Bonnie Kinnamont Fletcher in District 4 are seeking reelection without listed opposition.

Voters will also decide several local referendums, including whether to continue the one-percent education sales tax for another five years. The proposed renewal would raise up to $26.9 million for the Chattooga County and Trion school systems, supporting school improvements, equipment, transportation, security and debt payments.

Two additional local questions involve property tax exemptions for senior citizens.

One proposal would establish a $70,000 assessed-value homestead exemption from county property taxes for qualifying homeowners age 70 and older with incomes not exceeding $38,000.

Another proposal would increase the income limit for an existing school property tax exemption for qualifying homeowners age 70 and older, eventually raising the limit to $55,000 beginning in 2028.

Voters in the Town of Trion also have a local bond referendum to consider.

Georgia voters will additionally decide three proposed state constitutional amendments dealing with conservation-use property tax classifications, nonpartisan elections for probate judges and funding for next-generation 911 services.

Voters must bring an acceptable form of photo identification, such as a Georgia driver’s license.

Anyone uncertain about their assigned precinct can visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov to verify their voting location and review their sample ballot.

Completed absentee ballots must be received by the county elections office no later than 7 PM today.

Election results will begin coming in after polls close this evening.