Early Voting Begins April 27 in Oconee County With High-Stakes Primaries
Oconee County launches early voting next week for Georgia’s general primaries, setting the stage for pivotal races that could reshape state and national political leadership.
According to the Oconee County Board of Elections, advance in-person voting runs from April 27 through May 15. Voting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays May 2 and May 9. There is no voting on Sundays. All voting takes place at the Oconee County Administrative Building, 7635 Macon Highway, Watkinsville, GA.
The drop box for absentee ballots will be accessible inside the building during these hours, ensuring voters can securely submit ballots early.
Critical Ballot Choices Include Governor, Congress, and Judicial Races
Georgia’s open primary system lets voters choose from three ballot types: Democratic, Republican, or Nonpartisan. The Nonpartisan Ballot features judicial races such as the uncontested contests for Oconee County Superior Court Judges Lisa Lott and Eric Wayne Norris. It also includes a referendum to renew the county’s 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), a key local funding mechanism.
Partisan ballots will be packed with major contested races. Voters will select nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, General Assembly, U.S. Congress, and more—alongside judicial races and the SPLOST referendum.
The Democratic Party ballot excludes Oconee County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education races due to no candidates filing from that party. However, it includes seven nonbinding questions from state and local Democratic organizations. The Republican ballot features eight questions from the state party.
Key Congressional and State House Races Draw Intense Interest
A major spotlight falls on the fiercely contested Republican primary for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District. This race determines the GOP nominee to replace incumbent Rep. Mike Collins in Washington. Candidates include Republicans Jeff Baker, Houston Gaines, and Ryan Millsap. On the Democratic side, contenders are Pamela “Pam” Delancy, Alexandra “Lexy” Doherty, and John Dority.
On the state level, three Oconee County General Assembly seats will be decided during the primaries. Incumbent Bill Cowsert, serving District 46, is running for Georgia attorney general, leaving his seat open. Republicans Michael Broun, Doug McKillip, and Marc McMain face Democrats William Gaulden and Ray Smith in the fight to succeed Cowsert.
Another notable vacancy is the House District 120 seat after Houston Gaines pursues Congress. The GOP candidates Gary “Ward” Black Jr. and Chad Paton, plus Democrat Suzanna Karatassos, vie for the position. Meanwhile, incumbent Democrat Eric Gisler seeks reelection in House District 121 and will face Republican Mack “Dutch” Guest IV this November after both ran unopposed in their primaries.
Voters Urged to Review Sample Ballots Ahead of Voting
The Oconee County Board of Elections has posted sample ballots detailing all races and referenda. This tool is essential for voters preparing to cast informed ballots in this high-stakes primary cycle. Additional candidate information will be available following the upcoming April 21 candidate forum.
This primary is critical as it will shape political leadership impacting Georgia and national representation, including key legislative and judicial posts. With early voting underway, election officials urge residents to take advantage of the convenient hours and make their voices heard.
What You Need to Know:
- Voting Location: Oconee County Administrative Building, 7635 Macon Highway, Watkinsville
- Early Voting Dates: April 27–May 15
- Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays (May 2 & May 9)
- No voting on Sundays
- Ballot Options: Democratic, Republican, Nonpartisan
- Key Contests: U.S. Congress District 10, GA House Districts 46, 120, 121, JA judicial elections, SPLOST tax referendum
Stay with The Colorado Daily for ongoing coverage of this evolving election and its impact on regional and national politics.
