As a state investigation continues into the allegations of voter fraud in Brooks County, results from the July 20 primary election have apparently been certified by the Georgia Secretary of State’s office.

The Secretary of State’s press office said citizens will vote on the upcoming runoff ballot regardless if an investigation is taking place.

The Secretary of State’s press office has not been able to release any information other than stating there is an on-going investigation into the Brooks County primary.

Press office representatives say they cannot comment on ongoing investigations, but have

 also refused to answer general questions regarding how such investigations work. Two representatives have snickered when asked about the investigation.

On Friday, however, a press office representative claimed the Brooks County primary results have been certified, and refused to answer how the on-going investigation may or may not affect the Tuesday, Aug. 10, runoff.

The Times staff continues receiving phone calls, e-mails and rants from concerned citizens since the absentee results of the General Primary were released, Wednesday, July 21.

Prior to absentee votes being counted, the incumbents in three races were winning by significant margins. After the county’s 979 absentee votes were counted, the three incumbents lost.     

The voting results show the pre-absentee vote counts and the post-absentee vote counts.

Brooks County Board of Commissioners District 3

Pre-Absentee Votes

• Claude Butler (I) had 65.04 percent or 240 votes

• Willie Cody had 34.96 percent or 129 votes

Post-Absentee Votes

• Claude Butler (I) had 34.1 percent or 266 votes

• Willie Cody had 65.9 percent or 514 votes

Brooks County Board of Education At-Large

Pre-Absentee Votes

• Gary Rentz (I) had 63.3 percent or 1,090 votes

• Elizabeth Thomas had 36.7 percent or 632 votes

Post-Absentee Votes

• Gary Rentz (I) had 42.27 percent or 1,135 votes

• Elizabeth Thomas had 57.73 percent or 1,550 votes

Brooks County Board of Education District 4

Pre-Absentee Votes

• Myra Exum (I) had 61.72 percent or 266 votes

• Linda Troutman had 38.28 percent or 165 votes

Post-Absentee Votes

• Myra Exum (I) had 45.87 percent or 272 votes

• Linda Troutman had 54.13 percent or 321 votes