DeKalb early voter turnout dismal

DEKALB – Advanced voting has been slow this election cycle for both the City of Stonecrest and DeKalb County.

According to DeKalb County Deputy Communications Director Sherial Cubit, only 16,033 people voted during DeKalb’s early voting period as of Thursday, Nov. 2 and just 1,174 in the City of Stonecrest.

In May 2022, there was a total of 564,034 registered voters in DeKalb County and 44,582 in the City of Stonecrest.

The Tuesday, Nov. 7 General Election will give voters the opportunity to vote for two referendums in addition to candidates.  EHOST will provide tax relief for qualified homeowners, and SPLOST II will provide funding for capital projects.

EHOST

The Equalized Homestead Option Sales and Use Tax (EHOST) is a one percent sales and use tax used to provide property tax relief for homeowners. Proceeds from EHOST are 100% dedicated to rolling back property taxes on homestead exempt properties.

Approved in 2017, the current Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) will reach $738 million when it expires at the end of 2023.

EHOST tax relief will offset property tax liability to DeKalb homeowners, who qualify for a homestead exemption if approved. EHOST is estimated to save DeKalb homeowners $1 billion over a six-year period.

SPLOST II:

The DeKalb County Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST II) is a one-cent sales tax that provides funding exclusively for capital projects such as roads, buildings, vehicles, major equipment and other long-term improvements.

Approved in November 2017, the current SPLOST I will run through 2023, generating more than $388 million. If approved, SPLOST II is expected to generate $850 million over the next six years for capital improvements countywide. More information is available at DeKalbCountyga.gov/splost/dekalb-county-splost-ii. 

Voters planning to vote on Election Day should verify their polling place in case the location has changed. Polls will be open 7 to 7 and a sample ballot is available at dekalbvotes.com.

For more information, call 404-298-4020, or visit DeKalbVotes.com.

Know Before You Go

Make sure you are registered to vote and your registration is up to date and active.

• Make sure you are registered to vote and your registration is up to date and active.
• Bring a valid ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or voter identification card.
• Voters are encouraged to wear a mask to ensure their safety and the safety of the poll workers and others.
• Bring a chair, water, and snacks in the event there is a long wait line
• Bring your absentee ballot if you are wanting to vote in-person instead. If you do not have your absentee ballot, you will need to sign an affidavit stating that you are instead casting your ballot in-person.
• If you are a voter with a physical disability or are 75 years of age and older, you do not need to wait in line. Just walk to the entrance and a poll worker will assist you in casting your ballot.