SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — Effingham County voters will head into the May 19 primary election with decisions to make in key local races, including contested county commission, school board and a special city council election in Guyton, along with a full slate of state and federal contests.
Primary elections may not draw the same attention as November general elections, but local elections officials say they often have an outsized impact on who ultimately appears on the fall ballot — and who represents residents on everyday issues.
“Mid-term primaries may not get as much attention as the big November elections, but they’re extremely important,” said Laura Bassett, Effingham County director of elections and registration. “These elections help decide who will represent us on issues that affect our everyday lives right here at home.”
Bassett said turnout is typically lower in primaries, meaning each vote carries more weight.
“If you want your voice heard and want a say in the direction of our community and our state, the primary election is where it starts,” she said. “A lot of times, turnout is lower in primaries, which means every single vote carries even more weight.”
In Effingham County, turnout reflects that gap. In the 2024 general election, about 76% of registered voters participated. The 2024 primary drew roughly 16%.
As of this week, early voting has reached 2,229 in-person voters, along with 54 absentee ballots returned, out of approximately 49,999 active registered voters.
“That’s still a small slice of our electorate,” Bassett said.
Local races on the May 19 ballot
Effingham voters will decide three key local contests on May 19:
County Commission (District 2, 4-year term)
Incumbent Roger Burdette faces challenger Michelle Payne in the Republican primary. The winner will advance to the November general election to face Democrat Darlene L. Ainsworth.
Board of Education (District 1, nonpartisan)
Incumbent Lynn Anderson faces challenger Daulton Kerry-Herbert Harris.
Guyton City Council (special election, nonpartisan Post 2)
Hursula Wallace Pelote faces Mary Ellen Connely-Woods.
State and federal primaries
Voters will also select their party’s nominees for several higher offices, including:
- Governor
- U.S. Senate
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Secretary of State
- Attorney General
- And other statewide offices
Early voting and election timing
Early voting continues through May 15 ahead of the May 19 election. County officials encourage voters to review sample ballots and confirm polling locations before heading to the polls.
Voters can access sample ballots and polling locations through the Georgia My Voter Page at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov.
Election officials will begin processing absentee and early ballots at 5:30 p.m. on Election Day, with results released after polls close at 7 p.m.
A runoff election would be held June 16 if no candidate receives 50% plus one vote in applicable races.
Bassett said the importance of the primary cannot be overstated.
“These elections determine who moves on to November,” she said. “And that determines who is making decisions about our schools, roads, taxes and services.”
The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
Know Before You Go: Voting Checklist
Effingham County elections officials offered a simple checklist for voters heading into the final days of voting:
- Review your sample ballot ahead of time
- Know your polling place before Election Day
- Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or military ID
Officials encourage voters to use the Georgia My Voter Page at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov to view sample ballots and confirm polling locations before heading to the polls.
Early voting ends May 15. The primary election is May 19.
