General Election Is Set Next Tuesday

Some 8,700 Jasperites are eligible to vote in next Tuesday’s general election, and more than 2,600 have already cast votes either in person or by absentee ballot.

Voters will choose their national leader—the president of the United States—as well as local leaders. In addition, some lesser publicized races will also be on the ballot.

Other than the U.S. President, the hottest item on the Jasper County ballots may be that of sheriff…or county commissioner. There is a three-way race for sheriff—Donnie Pope on the Republican ticket; Greg Sands on the Democratic ticket, and Charles Ledford as an independent write-in candidate.

Also, three of five county commission races remain to be decided and local voters will make their selections. In District One, veteran commissioner Carl Pennamon faces opposition from Nancy Baeder. In District 2, veteran commissioner Charles Hill has opposition from Bruce Henry, a former Shady Dale City Councilman.

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Lastly, in District 4, voters will choose between two newcomers Joan Bell or Craig Salmon. That post is currently held by Mary Patrick who did not seek re-election.

Another contested race is that of Jasper County coroner. Veteran coroner Billy Noris is being challenged by Michelle Haddock who is just making her foray into public service. She previously worked in Jasper County as a medic with the Emergency Medical Service.

Jasperites will also cast their vote for either Republican Burt Jones or Democrat Darrell Black for the state Senate seat.

There are several local races that were settled in the primaries, so voters may give them a vote of confidence, or leave those places blank. In addition, the ballot has two Public Service Commission seats on it.Last, but not least, is the battle over charter schools. Constitutional amendments to allow schools to be chartered through an independent commission and one on long-term leasing agreements, are Amendments One and Two on the ballot.

This newspaper urgers voters to vote no on the proposed charter school amendment, but two residents have letters in today’s paper urging otherwise.

Also, if anyone is unsure of his precinct, he should check before going to vote. The registrars office can be reached at 706-468-4908.

A change was made this year because oftentimes people were driving by the Jackson Lake Fire Station No. 1 on their way to vote at the North Alcovy Fire Station, said Linda Mock-Keller, superintendent of elections.

This change saves a majority of people a good bit of driving, some as much as 10 miles or more, she said. A few people may have to drive a little further, but the lines have to follow a physical boundary such as a road, power line or creek bed, she said. Anyone who voted in the primaries in August will return to where they voted then.

Remember it is your right and privilege to vote. Take your photo identification with you to the polls.