NEWTON COUNTY - The last early voting day in Newton County for the new Georgia Public Service Commissioners (PSC) is June 13. Voting will take place at the Turner Lake Recreation Center in the banquet room from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Those who opt not to vote early can cast a ballot on June 17.

Newton County is in District 2. Incumbent Tim Echols is among the candidates as he seeks re-election.

The Democratic candidate for District 2 is Alicia M. Johnson. The Republican candidates for District 2 are Lee Muns and Echols. 

The District 3 seat is also on the ballot this summer. District 3 is composed of DeKalb, Fulton and Clayton Counties. 

The Democratic candidates for District 3 are Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones and Keisha Sean Waites. The sole Republican candidate for District 3 is incumbent Fitz Johnson. 

Another PSC hopeful, Daniel Blackman, has been disqualified from the seat by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger due to questions surrounding his eligibility for candidacy, but will remain on the ballot while he appeals his disqualification. A hearing is set for June 10.

Voters are able to vote in both races, as it is a statewide election.

District 2 race: Johnson, Muns and Echols

According to Johnson’s campaign website, she is committed to transparency and accountability and promises to uphold term limits and ethical standards. She advocates for ratepayer protection and supports transitioning to clean, affordable energy solutions. 

Muns is a strong advocate for pro–life values, the Second Amendment and responsible energy policy. According to his campaign website, one of his top priorities is ensuring the future Integrated Resource Plans are complete, detailed and transparent. He aims to make it so that commissioners must be able to review things such as the remaining life cycles of all current generation plants and the proposals for new power plants. 

As the current District 2 commissioner, according to his campaign website, Echols says if he is elected again, he will continue to keep Georgia’s energy rates low by keeping a diverse mix of fuels at plants. 

District 3 race: Hubbard, Jones, Waites, Johnson and Blackman

According to Hubbard’s campaign website, he advocates for renewable energy options that he says will lower energy costs for Georgia citizens. 

According to a recent survey published by Ballotpedia, Jones is also an advocate for lowering the cost of energy prices through renewable energy and claims to work towards Georgia becoming the nation’s leader in rooftop solar energy. 

According to Waites’ official website, she served as a Georgia State Representative for three terms and is a member of the Atlanta City Council. 

As the current District 3 commissioner, Johnson is also chairman of the PSC’s Energy Committee. According to his official website, he promises to put Georgians first during his upcoming term. 

If Blackman successfully appeals his disqualification, according to his campaign website, he will continue his campaign to lower the cost of power and develop the workforce by partnering with schools and technical colleges to train young people for high-paying energy jobs. 

Voting Dates

Monday-Friday (until June 13): 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: June 7 from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Voters can check their status at mvp.sos.ga.gov.