Though less than 100 voters returned to the polls to cast a ballot early on the first day of the GOP primary run-off coming up on August 11, several hundred absentee ballots are into the Polk County Board of Elections as voters head back to decide two primary winners to appear on the November ballot.

Elections Cooridnator Brande Coggins reported that 76 people came to the Board of Elections office in Cedartown to cast their ballot on the first day of early voting, and 400 absentee ballots are back in already for the run-off. The lone precinct at the Elections office located in the County Administration building is open again today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and through Aug. 7 on that schedule at just the Board of Elections this time around.

Voters who either participated in the primary on a non-partisan ballot, or who took a GOP ballot can participate in the vote, determining who will appear on the ballot this November representing the Republican party in the 31st District State Senate race, and the 14th District Congressional race.

Coggins said that because run-off elections have historically not had a high turnout of registered voters, no early voting days will be held at the Rockmart precinct for the August 11 race. Additionally, she said that this round of voting will not include extended hours, or polls opening for a Saturday.

Paulding’s Jason Anavitarte and Boyd Austin are seeking the 31st District State Senate seat being vacated later this year when State Sen. Bill Heath retires. Both Anavitarte and Austin face a democratic challenger in the fall after the June 9 primary eliminated two additional candidates from contention.

The 14th District Congressional race features a run-off between Rome’s Dr. John Cowan and Marjorie Greene. They were the winners out of a packed field of candidates vying for their name on the Republic ticket after Congressman Tom Graves announced his retirement earlier this year from the House of Representatives.

Cowan and Greene will also face a democrat on the fall ballot.

For voters who want to take part in the run-off but don’t want to head to the polls in-person, absentee ballots can be requested. Those who are registered and took part in the GOP primary can seek a ballot mailed to the home between now and August 7 for the GOP run-off. Voters can contact the Board of Elections at 770-749-2103 to learn more about the process, or visit https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/Elections/absentee_voting_in_georgia to print an application.

Absentee Ballots must be received in the Board of Elections office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted. Additionally, the return envelope containing the ballot must be signed in order to be accepted.