House 176 runoff draws few votes, so far

Published 3:00 pm Saturday, February 23, 2019

VALDOSTA – A little more than 20 Lowndes County voters cast ballots during the first three days of the runoff race for the special election for House District 176.

Early voting opened Wednesday, Feb. 20, to choose either James Burchett or Franklin Patten, both Republicans.

They received the top votes in a field of four candidates in early February but neither Burchett nor Patten received the 50 percent plus one vote necessary to secure a win.

They are seeking the state representative seat vacated by Jason Shaw at the beginning of the year. Shaw took a position with the state Public Service Commission.

Burchett is an attorney from Waycross. Patten is a businessman from Lakeland.

Twenty-two Lowndes County voters cast ballots by Friday afternoon, the end of the first half week of early voting, according to the Lowndes County Board of Elections.

Early voting continues Monday through Friday, Feb. 25 through March 1, and March 4-8, at the Lowndes County Board of Elections, 2808 N. Oak St.

But early voting is available for more than just a portion of Lowndes County. House 176 also includes portions of Lanier, Atkinson and Ware counties. Early voting is being held in those counties for the special election runoff, too.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 12. Ballots can be cast then 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at designated polling places.

This story has been corrected to reflect that James Burchett is running for District 176.

More information: Contact the Lowndes County Board of Elections, (229) 671-2850; or e-mail elections@lowndescounty.com.