VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - One week into early voting and Lowndes County has seen 14.9 percent of voters with over 80,000 registered voters.

Leaders feel this is the most critical time to draw voters as we near election day by shifting the focus to the local level.

“For many of our local races such as commission really your party doesn’t matter as much as your knowledge of your community and what your priorities,” Christie Moore, Valdosta - Lowndes Chamber of Commerce President said.

A common theme amongst voters is choosing a candidate who will equally and fairly represent the community.

“Make sure that all people are serviced and serviced equally,” Thameka Miller-Akpan, a registered voter, said.

“We will have economic progress and all of those things but it can’t just be for a small few so I am looking for that broad impact what they plan to do and how they plan to do it,” Dr. Treva Gear, a registered voter, said.

Both Miller-Akpan and Gear encouraged other voters to educate themselves on the policies and procedures of each local and state elected official before casting a vote, to ensure that they align with the needs of constituents.

“When I cast my ballot, cast my vote for that person I am saying I am in agreement to the policy and the ordinances that you may pass,” Miller-Akpan said.

“You livelihood depends on your vote every time. And you don’t have a decision or a voice if you don’t vote,” Gear said.

This led the Valdosta - Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, Valdosta Board of Realtors, and Home Builders Association of South Georgia to host a “Meet the Candidates” on Monday, October 21st for voters to speak directly to candidates.

“What matters to you individually and take the opportunity to ask. We have a lot of great candidates that will be there tonight. These are very nice people so don’t be afraid to ask them questions and engage with those who are trying to earn your vote,” Moore said.

“A vote-less people are a voiceless people. Because we may not physically be able to go to each representative, council person to tell them how we feel when it’s actually on that ballot we can see okay this person actually identifies with what I’m going through...the state of the county, the state of the state, or the state of the nation.,” Miller-Akpan said.

“Vote like your life depends on it because it does. Don’t say I’m not political...yes you are...if you eat you are political, if you go buy food you are political, if you drive a car you are political, if you ride in Uber you are political, you are political if you are breathing. Even the air you breathe, I need you to be concerned about the environment. That’s even something that is political. Get out and vote, let your voice be heard,” Gear said.

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