This time, dropboxes will be open–but only inside during advance voting hours. (Photo: Robin Kemp/The Clayton Crescent)
by Robin Kemp
The Clayton County Board of Elections and Registration has published official notice that the Clayton County Board of Education District Election will take place on September 21–on the same day as the Board of Commissioners District 1 special election.
Any runoff needed in either election will take place on October 19.
Candidate qualifying for the school board race will take place at the Elections and Registration Office, 121 S. McDonough Street, Annex II, Main Floor, on these dates:
- Monday, Aug. 9: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 10: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 11: 9 a.m.-12 noon
The last day to register to vote is Monday, August 23. You will need a valid Georgia driver’s license, a free Georgia ID card, or other state-approved ID. You can fill out the application online or on the DDS 2 Go Mobile App, but you will have to go in person to a Department of Driver Services office to complete the process.
- If your name or address has changed since the last time you voted, update your information right away to preserve your vote.
- It’s also a good idea to check and make sure your registration on file is correct.
- The last day to request a Mail Absentee Ballot application is Friday, September 10–you can and should request one as soon as possible.
Similarly, absentee voting by mail will start Monday, August 23 and end on Friday, September 17. If you plan to mail your absentee ballot, do not wait–do it well before the deadline in case of U.S, Post Office delays.
If you plan to use absentee ballot drop boxes, be aware that the new voting law, SB 202, requires you to go to the polling place during regular voting hours, go inside, and find the dropbox there. The drop boxes will be available on the same days and times as in-person early voting–Monday August 30 to Friday, September 17.
The four places where you can find drop boxes or vote in person are:
- Clayton County Board of Elections and Registration Office, 121 S. McDonough Street, Annex II, Main Floor, Jonesboro
- Morrow City Hall, 1500 Morrow Road, Morrow
- Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center, 3499 Rex Road, Rex
- Forest Park Senior Center, 5087 Park Ave., Forest Park (next to Tara Stadium in Starr Park)
The polls will be open for early voting on these days and times:
- Monday, Aug. 30: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 31: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 1: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 2: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 3: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 4: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 7: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 8: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 9: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 10: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 11: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 12: 12 noon-5 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 13: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 14: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 15: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 16: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 17: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
The Clayton Crescent will send all candidates who qualify to run a candidate questionnaire to help voters learn more about each person running for office. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization, The Clayton Crescent does not endorse candidates or ballot issues.
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