LEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Lee County voters head to the polls Tuesday, June 16, for a runoff election that will decide the District 1 seat on the Lee County Board of Education, a race drawing attention as residents rebuild trust with local leaders following an ongoing property tax controversy.

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School board incumbent Donna Ford faces George Houston. Houston received the most votes in the May primaries but fell short of the 50% plus one vote needed to win outright, forcing a runoff.

The election comes as many residents have called for greater transparency and accountability from elected officials, with frustration tied to the county and the school system’s property tax dispute.

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The school board recently announced a repayment plan for residents.

The May primaries also included the defeat of the District 3 incumbent, a sign some voters called anti-incumbent sentiment.

Election officials encourage voters to check their polling place and bring required identification before heading to the polls.

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