Latest statewide, county election results

Residents trickled into polling precincts throughout Georgia today, raising doubts that election turnout will meet the 30% rate predicted earlier this week.

Few voting problems were reported, and most were linked to the recent decision by Secretary of State Karen Handel to disqualify three Democratic candidates.

Click here to read more: http://gpbelectionnews.blogspot.com/

The latest official elections results are here.

Primary elections underway in Georgia

The polls are open across the state as primary election races will be contested today. Voters can cast their ballots until 7pm tonight, and elections officials remind voters that they must present one of six approved forms of photo ID at the polls.

The major statewide race is the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat. Five candidates are battling, vying for the right to meet Saxby Chambliss in a November election tussle.

Other races of note include those in the 10th and 12th congressional districts. In the 10th, Paul Broun is getting the fierce challenge from well-funded Republican opponent Barry Fleming. In the 12th, the decision for voters is between John Barrow, aiming for a third term this fall, or challenger Regina Thomas. Also, for congressman John Lewis, he’s in his first primary fight in 16 years.

12th District debate gets testy

Sparks flew in a debate yesterday as the two Democrats seeking to represent the Twelfth Congressional district met in a televised debate. In a debate broadcast on GPB radio and television, the Democratic challenger to Congressman John Barrow, Savannah State Senator Regina Thomas, launched into the incumbent over veterans affairs, wiretapping and other hot-botton issues. Thomas accused Barrow of dragging his feet on reducing gas prices.

Thomas said, "Being in Congress for four years and still talking about what you're going to do, it already should have been done. I think we need to be honest to the American people, we need to tell them exactly what's happening, that the big oil companies and their executives are getting all the money, that we're being gouged."

The candidates disagreed over offshore oil drilling. Thomas said it wouldn't help to reduce gas prices much or soon, while Barrow said he voted for the measure. Thomas called herself the "true Democrat" in the race, while Barrow characterized his approach in Congress as one open to working with both Republicans and Democrats.

Barrow said, "In my time in Congress, I've earned a reputation for getting things done by working with folks on both sides of the isle and all sides of an issue to find solutions to the problems of the people of this country. I've taken this approach because I genuinely believe that that's what this country needs and I know it's what the people of this district want."

The Democratic debate was followed by a milder Republican face-off, with three GOP contenders on-stage. John Stone of Augusta and Savannahians Ray McKinney and Ben Crystal didn't stray far from the tax-reducing mantra. Whoever wins the GOP primary will face either Thomas or Barrow. Both party primaries are on July 15th. If no one wins more than 50% on the Republican side, there'll be a run-off on August 5th.

Reminder: photo ID’s required in upcoming election

Voters taking part in the upcoming General Primary Election that begins Monday, July 7 and end Friday, July 11, 2008 must show one of the following six forms of photo ID:

• A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
• Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
• Valid U.S. passport;
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
• Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
• Valid tribal photo ID.

If a voter does not have one of these forms of photo identification, they can obtain a free voter ID card at their county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services, according to a statement issued by the Secretary of State’s Office.

Additional information about Georgia’s photo ID requirement is here:
www.GAPhotoID.com, or call toll free (877) 725-9797.

Contact information can be found on the 2008 Election Center website:
http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/ElectionCenter08.htm.

Downloadable and printable absentee ballot request forms are here:
http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/ElectionCenter08.htm.

Voters can find voter registration information, including polling locations and legislative districts, by visiting http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/ElectionCenter08.htm or by calling (888) 265-1115.

Today is deadline for July primary registration

Today is the deadline to register to vote in order to take part in the July 15th Georgia primaries. Next month, Georgia Democrats will choose one of five U.S. Senate candidates to challenge incumbent Saxby Chambliss. Incumbent Democrats in the 5th, 8th, 12th, and 13th districts all have Democratic challengers to fend-off. As for Republicans, their candidates in the 12th and 10th districts have to be decided. Only the 10th district has a Republican incumbent. There are also several House and Senate seats where candidates for the November elections will need to be decided.

Voter registration applications are available at most government offices, public libraries and county registrars offices. Forms can also be downloaded from the Secretary of State's office website.