VALDOSTA – The City of Valdosta recently announced early voting dates for the upcoming municipal elections in Lowndes County.

The City of Valdosta, which has several contested races this year, shared the announcement Thursday evening on its Facebook page.

“Early voting for the Mayor’s race, Districts 1, 3, 5, and At-Large positions is opening on October 16, 2023! Make your voice heard and exercise your right to vote. By casting your ballot, you’re helping to shape the future of our community. Early voting is a convenient way to avoid long lines on Election Day, November 7th, 2023,” the statement said.

Early voting for Valdosta and all other municipalities will take place at the Lowndes County Elections Office, 2808 N. Oak St. The dates and operating times are:

• Monday, Oct. 16, to Friday, Oct. 20, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 22, from noon to 5 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 23, to Friday, Oct. 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 30, to Friday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters who want an absentee ballot application must request one through a phone call, email or fax. The last day the City of Valdosta can accept absentee-by-mail ballot applications and mail absentee ballots is Friday, Oct. 27.

“In the lobby of the Elections office, there is a drop box for returning mail ballots in person. You can also return them by mail or drop them off at the front counter,” the post said.

Voters who do not vote early or by absentee ballot must report to their assigned precinct from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, to cast their votes. To find your assigned precinct, please go to: https://mvp.sos.ga.gov, refer to your precinct card, or contact the Elections office.

Candidates qualified during the week of Aug. 21. Here are the candidates qualified as listed on the Georgia Secretary of State’s office website. The office is using a new system of listing qualifiers, which often does not designate the city in the link title.

City of Valdosta

Valdosta City Mayor

• Incumbent Scott James Matheson
• Fallon Harris
• J.D. Rice Jr.

City Council District 1

• Incumbent Vivian Miller-Cody
• Yurshema Flanders

City Council District 3

• Incumbent Thomas McIntyre
• India Bell

City Council District 5

• Incumbent Tim Carroll

City Council District 7 (At Large)

• Nick “Big Nick” Harden
• Bill Love
• Alvin Payton Jr.
• Edgar “Nicky” Tooley

Valdosta City School Board

District 4

• Incumbent Tyra Howard

District 5

• Jason Deloach

District 6

• Incumbent Thomas Moseley

City of Hahira

District 2

• Incumbent Kenneth Davis
• Klay Luke

District 3

• Terry Benjamin
• David Lindesy

Dasher City Council

Post 3

• Mike Dasher
• Kenny Holton

Post 4

• Incumbent Anita Armstrong Scott
• Bradley Eyre

City of Remerton

Mayor

• Incumbent Cornelius Holsendolph

City Council At-Large

• Incumbent Steve Koffler
• Toney “Paco” Salcedo
• Incumbent Bill Wetherington

More information: Contact the elections office at (229) 671-2850, e-mail elections@lowndescounty.com, or visit the office at 2808 N. Oak St., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.