Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections Office is experiencing technical issues with the new state-issued voting machines. These issues are being seen statewide and are not isolated to DeKalb County. Any voter who has been turned away without casting a ballot should go to any precinct in DeKalb County and ask for a provisional paper ballot. Voters experiencing issues should call the DeKalb County Board of Voter Registration and Elections at 404-298-4020.

ATLANTA —  Today, the Democratic Party of Georgia released the following statement on the widespread issues facing voters across Georgia on Election Day from spokeswoman Maggie Chambers: “So far this Election Day we have received countless reports of widespread voting issues in every corner of the state, and this is not limited to Fulton County or the metro area alone. The Secretary of State’s job is to provide adequate support and training for counties as he implemented Georgia’s new voting system, and he has failed. Across the state, Georgia voters are waiting for hours to cast their ballots because…

ATLANTA – Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) has directed Chairman Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire) and the House Governmental Affairs Committee to investigate irregularities in today’s primary election across Georgia, particularly in Fulton County. Speaker Ralston released the following statement: “The sanctity of our elections – being free and fair – is the very foundation of our system of government. Our elections must be efficient and voters must be confident that their votes will be properly counted. “We are hearing anecdotes from around the state – particularly in Fulton County – this morning of unacceptable deficiencies:  poll workers not being properly…

The  Atlanta City Council and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms will host an audio conference call to discuss the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The call will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 11:30 a.m. The public can tune into the meeting by dialing (877) 579-6743 and entering Conference ID: 8315991256. The call will be simulcast on the Council’s website, YouTube channel, and Facebook and Twitter pages at @atlcouncil, and on Channel 26.

ATLANTA – State Rep. Vernon Jones (D-Lithonia) today announced that he will introduce the Jones Amendment when the 2020 Legislative Session resumes that will accompany other hate crime legislation to make it punishable by law to commit a crime based on a person’s political party affiliation or ideology. The Jones Amendment will be modeled after legislation that Rep. Jones previously introduced, House Bill 1120, before the 2020 legislative session was suspended due to COVID-19. “Americans are being attacked nationwide because of their party affiliation and political ideology. I have personally been subjected to hate speech and threats because of my…

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced on June 8 that Newton County would receive nearly $100,000 from the Department of Justice’s Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program (CESF). The (CESF) program allows states, U.S. territories, the District of Columbia, units of local government, and federally-recognized tribal governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. “The funding is a by-product of the CARES Act, which included $850 million for coronavirus relief funding. Newton County will now have additional funding to purchase more PPE(Personal Protective Equipment) and do what they need to keep…

The Rockdale County Recycling Center, 1200 Sigman Road, Conyers, is expanding its days of operation and services. Beginning on June 9, the center will increase operations from two to three days per week – on Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to household garbage, residents can begin dropping off recyclables and yard debris on June 9— at no cost to Rockdale residents. Bulk waste will not be accepted during this time. Effective Wednesday, July 1, the center will reopen to full services and hours – Tuesday,…

Gov. Brian P. Kemp issued the following statement regarding the use of Georgia National Guard troops to assist law enforcement with public safety and peaceful protests: “I greatly appreciate the men and women of the Georgia National Guard, state and local law enforcement, and all first responders who kept Georgians safe and ensured peaceful demonstrations across our great state. This coordinated team worked tirelessly to protect communities, businesses, and everyone exercising their Constitutional rights. Given the success of this partnership and after several discussions with public safety officials and community leaders, my executive orders authorizing a…

As a part of addressing health disparities and high numbers of COVID-19 cases in identified DeKalb County ZIP Codes, the DeKalb County Board will deploy an additional community testing team. On June 10, the additional team will be stationed at Salem Bible Church,
5460 Hillandale Drive, Stonecrest, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Three other teams, are stationed at the following locations from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday: Beulah Missionary Baptist Church
2340 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church
1879 Glenwood Ave. SE, Atlanta Rehoboth Baptist Church
2997 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker COVID-19 testing also continues at…