Fuller’s County Connections Program Changes Chattooga County Location

Residents planning to meet with Congressman Clay Fuller’s staff in Chattooga County this Friday should be aware of a change in location for the congressman’s County Connections Program.

The event will now be held at Summerville City Hall, 120 Georgia Avenue in Summerville, on Friday, September 4, from 9 AM until noon.

The original location announced for the Chattooga County stop was the Hurley Community Development Center on Commerce Street.

Fuller’s office recently launched the County Connections Program, a rotating series of in-person office hours designed to make congressional constituent services more accessible in counties that do not have a permanent congressional field office.

Fuller maintains district offices in Rome, Dalton and Dallas, but Georgia’s 14th Congressional District covers a large portion of Northwest Georgia. Through County Connections, members of the congressman’s staff are visiting additional counties on a rotating basis.

The program can be particularly useful for residents who need assistance dealing with a federal agency. Congressional staff can help constituents communicate with federal agencies, check the status of cases and inquiries, and help ensure constituent concerns receive appropriate consideration.

Residents can also meet with Fuller’s staff to discuss issues affecting the community, ask questions or provide comments for the congressman’s office.

The County Connections rotation began August 28 in Walker County. Following Friday’s Chattooga County stop, visits are scheduled for Dade County on September 11, Murray County on September 18, Catoosa County on September 25, Polk County on October 2 and the City of Acworth in Cobb County on October 9.

Again, the location for Friday’s Chattooga County County Connections event has changed. Congressman Clay Fuller’s staff will be at Summerville City Hall, 120 Georgia Avenue, from 9 AM until noon Friday, September 4.

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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.

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

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.

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Georgia Lawmakers Focus on Election Changes, Tax Relief During Special Session

Georgia lawmakers returned to the State Capitol last week for a special legislative session called by Governor Brian Kemp to address election law implementation, local homestead tax exemptions, and ratification of a temporary suspension of state motor fuel taxes.

According to State Representative Eddie Lumsden, who represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County, legislators opted not to take up congressional and state legislative redistricting during the special session, despite redistricting being included in the governor’s original proclamation.

One of the first measures approved by lawmakers was House Resolution 3EX, which ratifies Governor Kemp’s executive order extending the temporary suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. The extension continued tax relief for motorists through the Memorial Day travel period.

Lawmakers are also reviewing Senate Bill 3EX, which would make adjustments to Georgia election laws and address implementation deadlines established under previous legislation. The measure deals with election equipment requirements and the use of human-readable ballot text in vote tabulation.

Another major topic under consideration involves local homestead tax exemptions. Following passage of legislation earlier this year authorizing a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax, lawmakers are considering local bills that would allow communities to place homestead exemption measures before voters during the November 2026 General Election.

The General Assembly resumed work Monday as legislators continue debating the measures included in the governor’s special session agenda.

You can read Representative Lumsden’s complete legislative report below.