Editor’s Note: Just Vote, Laurens County

It doesn’t matter for whom, or why, or for what political party, or whether you do it before work or after work on Tuesday, November 3, Election Day. Just vote, Laurens County. 

This midterm election is important. The most recent primary elections were important. Whatever we vote on next will also be important. The right to vote belongs to each and every American citizen and it must be exercised. 

Laurens County is the 43rd largest county in the great state of Georgia, so this voting block has the capacity to affect an election in a major way. With just under 36,000 registered voters, Laurens County has an active and engaged population of voters. The Courier Herald is well aware of that fact, and we plan on covering Election Day 2026 from several corners of the county. That includes a live blog on The Courier Herald Facebook page that yours truly will run throughout the night. Just vote, Laurens County.

The HR 155 race between incumbent Republican Georgia State Representative Matt Hatchett and his Democratic opponent Joe Powers is important to how Laurens County will be represented under the Gold Dome. Every single vote, no matter who you vote for, will help determine life in Laurens County for the next generation of voters who will cast ballots long after we are. NOTE: I’m 48 years old, and turn 49 next Saturday. I still have plenty of votes to cast.

Along with HR 155, there are so many other important roles in local and statewide government up for grabs on November 3. Georgia voters will select a new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Labor Commissioner, and so many more. Voting in the United States of America has never been more important than it is now, particularly in the Peach State. So, just vote, Laurens County.

The goal will always be to see 100 percent turnout, but that isn’t realistic. As a journalist who has covered Election Days, both big and small, both presidential and midterm, there’s nothing more exciting than knowing the results of the election come from the majority of the people. The people will be who decides the next leaders of our state. 

On Wednesday, about 110 miles north of Laurens County in Clayton County, former United States President Barack Obama made a campaign stop at the Arena at Southlake on behalf of Democratic politicians running for office this election season. On stage with him were democrats of all stripes, including current Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. On the importance of voting in these midterms, Warnock said, “This is so much more than an election. This is a moral moment in America.” 

Current Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who recently suspended the gas tax suspension again, thank God, has also been campaigning on behalf of Republican candidates like gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson. Both Obama, Warnock, and Kemp had interesting things to say, and drew large crowds of enthusiastic voters to come hear them speak. Now all that’s left to do is to vote. Just vote, Laurens County.

If you’re reading this on Saturday, October 31, Halloween, then you’re days away from the only remaining opportunity to cast your vote. If you already voted during the early voting period like I did, then congratulations, you exercised your right to vote. Thank you, Laurens County.