This is an open letter to all current and prospective voters of HeardCounty.

The Registrar’s Office is preparing for the Primary Election on July 31. This is a reminder about very important information concerning this election.

This is a Primary. When you go to the polls to vote you must declare which party ballot you wish: you may choose the Democratic Ballot, the Republican Ballot, or a Non-Partisan Ballot. Only Non-Partisan candidates and the TSPLOST election will be on the Non-Partisan Ballot.

If there is a runoff in August, you must vote the same party ballot in the runoff you voted in the July Primary, unless you vote Non-Partisan. For instance, if you vote a Democratic Ballot in July, you must vote in a Democratic runoff (if there is one) in August if you choose to go to the polls. The same applies to the Republican Ballot. If you choose a Non-Partisan Ballot in July, you may vote in either runoff in August.

If you do not vote in the July Primary, you may still vote in the August Runoff. You will have to declare which party ballot you wish.

The registration deadline is July 2, 2012. You must be registered to vote on or before this date to be eligible to vote in the General Primary on July 31 or the Primary Runoff on August 21. If you have moved or changed your name since you last voted or registered, this is also the deadline for any changes in your name or address. If you are unsure about your registration status, you can go to the Secretary of State’s “My Voter Page” at and enter the requested information, or you may call the Voter Registration Office.

Advance voting will be Monday – Friday 8:30 – 5:00 beginning July 9 and lasting until July 27. There will also be Saturday voting July 21 from 9:00 – 4:00. Advance voting will take place in Room #1 of the Heard County Courthouse. Remember that you do not have to have a reason to early vote or vote by absentee ballot.

If you have received an absentee ballot in the past, you may have to reapply for the General Primary. If you are unsure if you will receive a ballot, you may contact the Registration Office. You may print an absentee ballot application on the “My Voter Page” or obtain a form from the Voter Registration Office located in Room #1 of the Heard County Courthouse.

We wish to reach out to citizens of HeardCounty who are in the military living stateside or overseas on active duty. If you know of someone who wishes to inquire about registering to vote and/or receiving an absentee ballot, have them contact our office as soon as possible. We have the capability of sending their ballot to them electronically. The soldier mails the ballot back to the office.

Voters currently on the elector’s list have been sent new precinct cards reminding them of their current precinct. Many voters have not updated their address with the Registrar in several years. Some of these voters were sent a “confirmation notice”. This notice lets the voter know that we need to update their mailing address because an item of mail sent to their address was returned undeliverable to our office. Some voters have already responded to the confirmation notice, and we are very thankful. If you receive a confirmation notice in the mail, please fill it out and mail it back. The postage is free.

Office hours for the Voter Registration Office are M – F; 8:30 – 5:00 closed one hour for lunch usually 12:00 – 1:00.

Mailing Address:PO Box 427

Franklin, GA30217

Phone:706-675-3907

Fax:706-675-0819

Contact the Registration Office for any questions regarding the election or voting.

Thank you,

Charles Tonnie Adams

Chief Registrar