Polls open for Macon-Bibb District 5 commissioner seat. Where to vote
The polls are open Tuesday morning for the District 5 commissioner seat runoff election.
The special election to fill the District 5 Commission seat went to a runoff after no candidate secured more than 50% of the votes, according to the Macon-Bibb County Board of Elections.
Results from the special election showed Andrea Cooke, a local mental health advocate, receiving 49.53% of the votes, according to Board of Elections Supervisor Thomas Gillon. She will face Edward Foster, a community advocate, in the runoff election. He received 19.41% of the vote.
The seat was previously held by Seth Clark, who resigned in early January.
These polling locations will be open Tuesday:
- Dr. Robert J. Williams Complex at 1720 Anthony Rd.
- Professional Learning Center at 2003 Riverside Dr.
- Vineville United Methodist Church at 2045 Vineville Ave.
- Glorious Hope Baptist Church at 3805 Napier Ave.
- Northminster Presbyterian Church at 565 Wimbish Rd.
- Lutheran Church of the Redeemer at 390 Pierce Ave.
Voters can find their assigned polling locations here. People can vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The district encompasses Payne, Vineville and Ingleside.
Who are the candidates?
Cooke seeks to “expand affordable housing, strengthen public safety, grow good-paying jobs and improve access to mental health care,” according to a candidacy website.
If elected, she wants to connect District 5 residents to career training and certification, invest in community-centered strategies to deter violence, and provide care “so families can get help when they need it, without barriers or stigma,” her website says.
Clark endorsed Cooke to replace him as District 5 commissioner, according to his Facebook post from March 18.
“As a community leader, she has been integral in curbing our crime rates, bringing a focus on mental health and equity in neighborhood investment, and is the only candidate in the run-off ready on day 1 to make sure the county services we need are delivered effectively and fairly,” Clark said.
Foster seeks to strengthen public schools, push for clean neighborhoods, expand affordable housing options for District 5 residents, and support small and minority-owned businesses, according to his Facebook account.
He also seeks to push for more funding for the Bibb County Jail. The funds would go toward training for jail staff and a safer environment for those incarcerated, according to his Facebook.
Stanley Stewart, commissioner for District 3, endorsed Foster, saying that the candidate “worked tirelessly for the citizens of District 5 as citizen Foster and he will work even harder as commissioner Foster,” according to his Facebook.
