Qualifying opens Monday for three NE Ga. state legislative races

ATLANTA - Qualifying will begin Monday for three northeast state Legislative seats which are being vacated by Sen. Jim Butterworth of Clarkesville, Rep. Rick Austin of Habersham County, and Rep. James Mills of Gainesville.

The special elections will be held Nov. 8.

Secretary of State Brian Kemp set candidate qualifying for 8:00 a.m. Monday through noon Wednesday.

The election for State Senate District 50 will occur in Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun, Stephens and Towns Counties and a portion of White County. The election for State House District 25 will occur in a portion of Hall County. The election for State House District 10 will occur in Habersham County and a portion of White County.

The elections are non-partisan special elections with no party primaries. However, each candidate's party affiliation, if any, will be listed on the ballot. Run-off elections, if needed, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Voters can request an absentee ballot from their county registrar's office through the close of business on Friday, Nov. 4. Absentee ballots must be returned to the county registrar's office by the close of polls on Election Day. To download an absentee ballot request form, please visit: www.sos.ga.gov/elections.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Citizens must be registered to vote by Tuesday, Oct. 11 to participate in the Nov. 8 special elections. Voter registration forms can be obtained at any county registrar s office or from the Secretary of State s website: sos.ga.gov/elections.