The Nov. 5 general election is still weeks away, but early voting began Monday and continues through Nov. 1 in the race between incumbent Van Hunter and challenger Johnny Murphy for the Richmond Hill City Council Post 1 seat.
The poll is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center at J.F. Gregory Park.
With only one contested race, a light turnout is expected, and only 16 people had voted by 4 p.m. Monday afternoon, according to City Clerk Ursula Lee, who serves as election superintendent.
Murphy is a local developer, website owner and publisher. Hunter, who serves as the city’s mayor pro tem, is a self-employed veteran. He is running for a second-consecutive term and third overall.
Also up for re-election but running unopposed are Mayor Harold Fowler and Post 2 councilman Russ Carpenter.
Eligible voters who wish to vote by absentee ballot can download an application at www.bryancountyga.org/departments/voting/docs/absentee_ballot_app.pdf or pick one up at Richmond Hill City Hall.