Tuesday is the final day to vote in the special state Senate runoff election in a north metro Atlanta district.
Democrat Debra Shigley and Republican Jason Dickerson advanced to the runoff after getting the most votes during the August special election.
Shigley, the only Democrat, won roughly 40% of the 21,000 votes cast. The Republican vote was split six ways, with Dickerson coming out on top with just over 17% of the vote.
The district, which mostly covers Cherokee County and part of north Fulton County, was previously held by former Republican state Sen. Brandon Beach. Beach vacated the seat when he was nominated as U.S. Treasurer.
While the district has historically been considered a Republican stronghold, Democrats remain optimistic about Shigley’s performance. The race has attracted widespread attention, and Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin campaigned for Shigley on Saturday.
Shigley’s campaign website says she promises to expand access to health care, reduce costs to raise a family, and protect schools if she is elected. Dickerson’s campaign website says he will eliminate state income taxes, defend the Second Amendment, and support crackdowns on immigration if he wins the race.
Over 16,000 voters have already cast their ballot early. Polls in the district are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
This story comes to The Georgia Sun through a reporting partnership with GPB a non-profit newsroom focused on reporting in Georgia.
