#GeorgiaElections | AM 1180 Radio

September 22, 2026

What Chattooga County Voters Will See On The November Ballot

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Chattooga County voters will have a lengthy ballot when they head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, with races ranging from the U.S. Senate and governor to the Georgia General Assembly, along with several state and local ballot questions.

Georgia’s sample ballots became available September 19, giving voters an opportunity to review the races and questions before early voting begins. Georgia law requires sample ballots to be posted at least 45 days before Election Day, and voters can view the ballot specific to their precinct through the Georgia My Voter Page.

September 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Voters Reminded Of Registration And Absentee Ballot Deadlines

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With the November 3 General and Special Election approaching, the Chattooga County Elections and Registration Office is reminding local voters about several important upcoming deadlines.

The deadline to register to vote or make changes to an existing voter record, including a name or address change, is Monday, October 5. Georgia’s official 2026 election calendar confirms October 5 as the registration deadline for the November election.

Applications for an absentee-by-mail ballot are already being accepted. Chattooga County election officials say applications must be received no later than October 23. That deadline also appears on the Georgia Secretary of State’s official election calendar.

For most absentee voters, counties can begin mailing ballots October 5. Completed absentee ballots must be received by election officials by 7 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Military and overseas voters are subject to different deadlines.

Another important date arrived this weekend. Under Georgia’s 2026 election calendar, September 19 is the deadline for election officials to post sample ballots for public viewing, 45 days ahead of the election. Voters can also access their sample ballot and other personalized election information through Georgia’s My Voter Page.

The November ballot will include the General Election along with local and state questions and races applicable to Chattooga County voters.

September 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Researchers Raise Ballot-Secrecy Concerns With Georgia Voting System Ahead Of November Election

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A newly highlighted vulnerability in Georgia’s voting system is raising concerns about whether it may be possible in some circumstances to determine how individual voters cast their ballots.

September 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion Considers Turning November Election Over To Chattooga County

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The Town of Trion is considering having Chattooga County conduct its November 3 election, rather than handling the election in-house.

Mayor Mickey McGraw told the Trion Town Council the move is primarily about saving money. McGraw said the town had not yet received written cost figures from the county, but early indications were that having Chattooga County run the election would be less expensive than Trion conducting it itself.

The council gave the first reading of an ordinance that would authorize Chattooga County to conduct the November 3 election. A second reading is expected in September before the measure can be finalized.

Town Clerk Missy Duncan clarified that the discussion is not tied to any council or school board races for re-election.

One council member also asked for confirmation that the Trion City School bond question had already been approved for placement on the November ballot. Duncan confirmed that it had.

McGraw said he would also speak with the Trion City School Board about helping with the cost of the election.

The town is now waiting for more detailed cost information from Chattooga County before moving forward with the arrangement.

September 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Absentee Ballot Applications Now Being Accepted For November Election

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Chattooga County voters who plan to vote by absentee ballot in the November 3 General and Special Election can now submit their applications.

According to Chattooga County Elections and Registration, absentee-by-mail applications must be received between August 17 and October 23, 2026.

The first absentee ballots will be mailed beginning October 5.

Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Registrar’s Office no later than 7 PM on Election Day, November 3. Officials say absentee ballots should not be turned in at Election Day polling locations. Ballots taken to a polling location on Election Day will be voided or cancelled and must instead be returned to the Registrar’s Office at 10017 Commerce Street in Summerville.

Different deadlines apply to voters covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

Voters with questions about absentee voting can contact Chattooga County Elections and Registration.

September 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Audit Says Georgia Voter Rolls Achieve 99.9% Accuracy

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Georgia election officials say a new state audit found the state’s voter registration rolls have achieved a 99.9% accuracy rate when it comes to records that could potentially allow an ineligible or improperly verified individual to vote.

August 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Tax Commissioner Explains Senior Property Tax Questions Heading To November Ballot

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Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is providing additional information about property tax exemption questions voters will see on the November ballot, including proposed changes affecting homeowners who are at least 70 years old on January 1, 2027.

August 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Lumsden Holds Large Fundraising Advantage In Georgia House District 12 Race

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The race for Georgia House District 12 is set for November, with incumbent Republican Eddie Lumsden of Armuchee facing Democratic challenger Holly Chaney of Trion and the latest campaign finance reports showing a substantial difference in the amount of money available to the two campaigns.

August 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

“Power To The Polls” Voter Registration Event Planned In Summerville

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A new community voter registration and education event is coming to Summerville next month, with organizers hoping to help residents prepare for upcoming elections.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia State Election Board Approves New Rules Aimed at Increasing Election Transparency

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The Georgia State Election Board has approved two new election rules supporters say are designed to increase transparency and public confidence in the state’s voting process ahead of the 2026 elections. The rules were adopted during the board’s July meeting following public comment and debate.

One of the new rules requires that vote tabulation and consolidation be conducted in public, allowing election observers to watch the process as precinct-level results are combined into countywide totals. State law already allows authorized poll watchers to observe many aspects of the election process, and supporters say the rule further reinforces public access.

The board also approved a rule giving State Election Board members access to the Secretary of State’s election operations center, often referred to as the “election night bunker,” during elections. Supporters say the change provides additional oversight, while critics have questioned whether the board has the legal authority to require such access.

The rule changes come as Georgia prepares for the 2026 election cycle and continue an ongoing discussion over election administration and transparency in the state.