Early voting begins as key Georgia runoff races take shape

Voters weigh in on Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, and local Macon Water Authority runoff races

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Early voting is now underway in Georgia, and several key runoff races at the state level are drawing attention from voters.

At the top of the ballot is the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate between Mike Collins and Derek Dooley. Dooley says his campaign is focused on issues impacting rural communities across the state.

“I completely understand how all rural voters feel, whether it is in the ag community, listening to farmers, understanding what their needs are, and being able to be an advocate for them,” Dooley said. “It is our number one industry in Georgia and we cannot ever forget that. And also rural healthcare it is a critical area. We have a broken healthcare system, and Congress has done absolutely nothing to help fix it.”

There is also a closely watched runoff in the Republican primary for Georgia governor between Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Rick Jackson. The winner will go on to face Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November general election.

Jones says his priorities include tax relief and improving access to healthcare.

“We want to continue lowering the state income tax. We want to continue working on lowering property taxes for homeowners. We have got to work on insurance costs, workforce development, as well as trying to get better access to healthcare,” Jones said.

Jackson says he is focused on bringing a business minded approach to state leadership.

“I want to bring business solutions to Georgia just like President Trump has for the United States and the reason they need to vote for me is because I actually get things done,” Jackson said.

Another set of races to watch includes the lieutenant governor runoff elections on both sides of the aisle. On the Democratic ballot, Nabilah Parkes faces Josh McLaurin. On the Republican side, John F. Kennedy is running against Greg Dolezal.

Kennedy says his experience sets him apart.

“I think I am the candidate with the best experience and the best qualifications and the one that really brings the process and integrity to the options that are available for our voters,” Kennedy said.

Dolezal says the state needs stronger leadership.

“I think that we need to have bold leadership across the board in all areas of state government,” Dolezal said. “One of the things we have seen, particularly with this tax bill and our reluctance to lower the tax rate quicker, is just fear.”

Locally, voters in Macon will also decide the Macon Water Authority District 2 runoff between Marshall Talley and Ron Lemon.

Early voting will continue ahead of the runoff election, giving voters the opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day.