What Is On The Ballot?

Early voting is underway in this year’s elections for local and some statewide officials. One local race Georgia Southern students may be interested in is the Statesboro mayoral race between incumbent Mayor Jonathan McCollar and challenger Raymond L. Harris Sr.

McCollar has served as mayor since 2018 and is seeking re-election for a third term serving the city of Statesboro. In an interview with Grice Connect, McCollar stated that his campaign is focused on continuing the “progress, stability, and community-driven leadership” of his previous years in office.

Harris is a disabled veteran of the U.S. Army, a small business owner and a community volunteer. In remarks to the Statesboro Herald, Harris explained that he is running as “somebody who can speak for the people and be a voice of reason when it comes to taxes, overspending, and oversight.” 

Along with the race for Statesboro mayor, other municipal positions will also be on the ballot for local voters, with City Council seats for District 1 and District 4 up for election.

Only those registered to vote in Statesboro can cast a ballot for mayor and City Council positions, but all Georgia voters will choose public service commissioners for District 2 and District 3.  The Public Service Commission is responsible for setting utility rates in Georgia and regulating electric, natural gas, and telecommunications in the state.

Although each commissioner represents a geographic portion of the state, all public service commissioners are elected at-large by registered voters in Georgia.

Voter Registration

The deadline to register for this year’s election was Monday, Oct. 6, but there are several ways students can register to vote. Two of the main ways to register are through the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, either online or by filling out the physical mail-in application.

Students who live in Statesboro while attending Georgia Southern University also have the option to register in Statesboro to vote in local elections that affect the University and the community. Otherwise, students can still register to vote in their hometown if they prefer to vote in those local elections.

If students aren’t sure of their registration status, they can visit Georgia’s My Voter Page and input their information to check.

Early Voting And Absentee Ballots

Early voting in Georgia has already begun and runs until Friday, Oct. 31. For those registered in Bulloch County, the Bulloch County Annex at 113 North Main St, Statesboro, GA 30458 is the advanced polling location. Information on operating hours can be found on the My Voter Page.

Voters also have the option to cast an absentee ballot. For more information on absentee voting and other ways to vote in Georgia, students can download the state’s guide for registered voters.

Election Day

This year’s elections for municipal general and the public service commission will occur on Tuesday, Nov. 4. On election day, voting is in-person only at the voter’s assigned precinct. All in-person voters must present a photo ID. The polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit the My Voter Page to find polling locations and more information about election day.

Looking Ahead: 2026

Even if students missed this year’s registration deadline for the Nov. 4 election, they can register now to be ready for the 2026 elections. Next year, there are two main spots on the ballot voters should keep an eye on: one seat in the U.S. Senate and the Governor of Georgia.

Democrat Jon Ossoff is running for his second term in the U.S. Senate. The Republican primary to decide Ossoff’s opponent is already shaping up to be a contested race, with Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-1), Congressman Mike Collins (GA-10), and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley all vying for the nomination.

Governor Brian Kemp has endorsed Dooley, citing his prior distance from the political sphere as making him a strong outsider candidate against Ossoff.

The gubernatorial election is similarly competitive, with several Republicans and Democrats looking to succeed Governor Kemp, a Republican, who has filled out his two-term limit in office.

Contenders for the Republican nomination currently include Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, business executive Clark Dean, and Georgia Army National Guard member Ken Yasger.

The Democratic primary pool is also numerous, with seven declared candidates. These are:

• Director for the Office of Public Engagement Keisha Lance Bottoms

• Pastor Olu Brown

• Former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan

• Former State Senator Jason Esteves

• State Representative Derrick Jackson

• State Representative Ruwa Romman

• Former Georgia Labor Commissioner Mike Thurmond

Look out for more election coverage from the George-Anne Media Group in future publications.