Wednesday, September 3, 2003
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Wednesday, September 3, 2003 |
Election Q&AWhen is the election? Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2003. This year's municipal elections are entirely local, and include no races for state or national posts. According to law, election day is the first Tuesday following the first Monday each November.
What offices will be elected? Peachtree City, Fayetteville and Tyrone voters will elect members to their respective city councils, each for four-year terms. Additionally, Peachtree City voters will be asked to approve a $4.9 million bond referendum to expand the city library. According to the County Elections Office, it was unclear if Brooks or Woolsey would have contested council races this year. ·Peachtree City races: Council Post 1 (held by Annie McMenamin, who is retiring); Council Post 2 (held by Dan Tennant, first-term incumbent, who is running for reelection) ·Fayetteville races: Mayor (held by Ken Steele, who says he will run again); Council Post 1 (held by Mayor Pro Tem Larry Dell, who is undecided); Council Post 2 (held by Glenn Brewer, who says he will run again). · Tyrone races: Council Post 3 (held by Lisa H. Richardson, who is unannounced); Council Post 4 (held by Raymond J. Bogenschutz, who is unannounced).
When is qualifying? Candidates may submit the proper paperwork, documentation and fees needed to enter a race starting Monday, Sept. 8 at 8:30 a.m. The deadline varies, however. In Fayetteville, qualifying ends at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, while in Peachtree City and Tyrone, potential candidates have until 4:30 p.m. Friday to decide to run.
How much does it cost to qualify? The fee is 3 percent of the annual salary of the position. Peachtree City and Fayetteville qualifying fees are $180, based on an annual salary of $6,000, while in Tyrone the fee is $144, where councilmen are paid $4,800 annually. The fee for running in the Fayetteville mayor's race is $288.
What qualifications do I have to meet? A candidate must be at least 21 years old, registered and eligible to vote in the election and must be a resident of the city for at least six months prior to the election.
If elected, what salary would I receive? City Council members receive a salary of $6,000 per year in monthly installments.
What is the voter registration deadline for the election? Monday, Oct. 6.
How can I change my address or register to vote? Voter registration forms are available at city halls and libraries. The forms are pre-stamped and addressed to mail to the election's office once they are complete. Voters are required to notify the board of registrars of their county of residence whenever they move. If you move within Fayette County and don't notify the registrar at least 30 days prior to an election, you may vote in your old polling place for that election. You must file a notice of your new address. This can be done by writing to the county board of registrars' office, or by submitting a new voter registration application. If you move outside the county in which you are registered to vote within 30 days of an election, you may vote in your old precinct for that election.If you move outside the county in which you are registered to vote in excess of 30 days prior to an election, you have lost your eligibility to vote in the county of your old residence. You must register to vote in your new county of residence. If you don't register to vote by the deadline, you cannot vote in that particular election.
Where do I vote? Each voter must vote at the polling place designated for the precinct in which the voter lives; the location of your polling place is located on your precinct card. If you have misplaced your card or do not know where your precinct is located, please use the county web site's poll locator or call the Fayette County Voter Registrar's office at 770-460-5730, ext. 5408.
What time will the polls open and close on election days? Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on each Election Day. However, any voter who is waiting to vote at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
How do I apply for an absentee ballot? You may request an absentee ballot as early as 180 days before an election. Absentee ballots must be signed and received by the county board of registrars' office on or before election day. No absentee ballots are issued on election day. You may download an absentee ballot application and mail it or fax it to your county board of registrars' office. The application must be in writing and must contain the address to which the ballot is to be mailed, the reason for voting by absentee ballot, sufficient information to identify you as a voter, and the election in which you wish to vote. If you are physically disabled or living temporarily outside your county of residence, a close relative may apply for an absentee ballot for you.
Are sample ballots available prior to the election? Yes. Sample ballots are available through your county or municipal registrar's office. Voters are authorized to carry a sample ballot or list of selected candidates with them to the polls to aid them in voting their ballot. You may not share the sample ballot or candidate list with other voters at the polls, but you may use it for your benefit.
Sources: Various city Web sites, Georgia Secretary of State's office.
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