Political qualifying – who will seek vacant Coweta House seat?
After getting past the long, intense presidential election in November, the year 2013 was supposed to be an off year for elections. Sometimes things change in the world of local politics. When local House District 71 Rep.-elect Robert Stokely decided to accept an appointment to become a Coweta County magistrate judge instead of taking his seat in the Georgia General Assembly in January, a special election was called to fill the vacant House seat.That election will be Feb. 5. This week, candidates interested in qualifying for the seat -- which represents much of eastern Coweta County -- can pay the $400 qualifying fee at the Secretary of State’s election office in Atlanta -- and compete for the District 71 seat.
So far, two candidates have posted political signs around the county seeking voters’ support. More candidates may be considering the race. Qualifying will begin at 9 a.m. Monday and close at noon on Wednesday.
This special election will pit all candidates on the same Feb. 5 ballot.
Republicans, Democrats and Independents will be on the same ballot. There will be no party primary. If no one receives a majority of the votes on Feb. 5, a runoff election will be held on March 5.
We encourage anyone interested in representing the growing eastern part of our county in the state House to consider qualifying for this special election. It’s an important election.
