Record early voting, election changes

Early voting turnout in Pike County has been high as the state set records for the number of early voters compared to the 2018 and 2020 primary elections. Georgia had record early voting turnout since the first day of early voting this year, surging to nearly three times the number on the first day of primary voting in 2018 and double that of 2020, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. Find local election results online at PikeCountyGeorgia.com on election night.

Pike had 892 citizens cast their ballots early in person as of May 13 and there were 65 mail in ballots. With 6% of residents voting early and 957 total ballots cast, elections supervisor David Neyhart is encouraging voters to take advantage of the last few days of early voting. 

“We currently have surpassed the 75% turnout of the Early Voting for the November 2020 Election and if this trend continues at the current rate, we should see a significant turnout for the primary,” said Neyhart.  

The last day of early voting will be Friday, May 20 and the polls will be open at all precincts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day Tuesday, May 24. 

Voters in Zebulon will cast their ballots on Election Day at the Pre-K building next to the Pike Auditorium. Other changes for this election include the ballot box being located inside the elections office and redistricting resulting in changes in representation for some Pike citizens.  

There is a referendum on the ballot for a Special Local Option Sales Tax of 1 percent in Pike County, which would be used to the purpose of water, sewer, storm water drainage, road, street and bridge improvements.

Many local candidates will run unopposed for seats in Pike in the May general primary. Tim Daniel is unopposed for the county commission District 1 and Tim Guy is unopposed for the District 2 commission seat. Allen Edwards has no opposition for the board of education District 2 seat and Floyd Miller is unopposed for the District 6 seat. 

Brian Hubbard, the current District 1 board of education member, will face Michael Pierce of Williamson for the seat. 

At the state level, incumbent Beth Camp (R) of Pike County will face Dan Brue (R) for the District 135 seat and incumbent state Senator Marty Harbin (R) will face Pingke Dubignon (D). 

Sample ballots are displayed at the elections office and exact ballots are available online at the state’s My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov.