Tuesday, November 24, 2015
We're sorry. WE MESSED UP. BIG TIME.
Here’s the deal: Our most recent cover has generated a lot of anger and concern. We wanted to share an explanation of why we published the cover and also our respect for and acknowledgement of the anger it has caused.
As what is usually considered "Savannah's liberal paper," we assure you no racism or sexism was intended. The cover is based on the often-parodied, iconic painting by Norman Rockwell called "Freedom From Want" (see image). The image depicts an all-American family. The woman holding the turkey in the original painting is not a servant, but the respected head of the household.
Our intent was to depict all the candidates in the runoff as one big happy family who squabble with each other but in the end work together. In the planning process we believed the homage to the Rockwell paint ing to be a solid visual representation of bringing all candidates together in a comical fashion for the holiday.
However we clearly miscalculated that Mayor Jackson might be interpreted as a servant or in an inferior position. The effect was far from what we hoped to achieve.
We misjudged the humor aspects, badly. We apologize without reservations for the anger and pain we've caused and the harm we have done to a community trying hard to come together.
This cover concept clearly was not adequately thought through. It's something we now recognize and take responsibility for.
We promise to do better, much better, in the future and regard this as a teachable moment for our staff and the paper.
Connect Savannah exists to unite and inform Savannahians of all walks of life. Obviously in this case, we failed in that mission.
Let us be clear: Mayor Jackson is a talented public administrator of the City of Savannah, who's dedicated her life and career to doing the best for our city and to the cause of Civil Rights. While there will always be people who disagree with any public official, none of that diminishes the fact that Mayor Jackson is a smart, dedicated woman who has, through her own hard work, risen to a notable and respectable position in our city. WE SINCERELY APOLOGIZE TO MAYOR EDNA JACKSON FOR ANY SLIGHT WE HAVE CAST ON HER PROFESSIONALISM AND HER CAREER, AND ON HER PERSONALLY.
Here’s the deal: Our most recent cover has generated a lot of anger and concern. We wanted to share an explanation of why we published the cover and also our respect for and acknowledgement of the anger it has caused.
As what is usually considered "Savannah's liberal paper," we assure you no racism or sexism was intended. The cover is based on the often-parodied, iconic painting by Norman Rockwell called "Freedom From Want" (see image). The image depicts an all-American family. The woman holding the turkey in the original painting is not a servant, but the respected head of the household.
Our intent was to depict all the candidates in the runoff as one big happy family who squabble with each other but in the end work together. In the planning process we believed the homage to the Rockwell paint ing to be a solid visual representation of bringing all candidates together in a comical fashion for the holiday.
However we clearly miscalculated that Mayor Jackson might be interpreted as a servant or in an inferior position. The effect was far from what we hoped to achieve.
We misjudged the humor aspects, badly. We apologize without reservations for the anger and pain we've caused and the harm we have done to a community trying hard to come together.
This cover concept clearly was not adequately thought through. It's something we now recognize and take responsibility for.
We promise to do better, much better, in the future and regard this as a teachable moment for our staff and the paper.
Connect Savannah exists to unite and inform Savannahians of all walks of life. Obviously in this case, we failed in that mission.
Let us be clear: Mayor Jackson is a talented public administrator of the City of Savannah, who's dedicated her life and career to doing the best for our city and to the cause of Civil Rights. While there will always be people who disagree with any public official, none of that diminishes the fact that Mayor Jackson is a smart, dedicated woman who has, through her own hard work, risen to a notable and respectable position in our city. WE SINCERELY APOLOGIZE TO MAYOR EDNA JACKSON FOR ANY SLIGHT WE HAVE CAST ON HER PROFESSIONALISM AND HER CAREER, AND ON HER PERSONALLY.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Armstrong State University’s latest Coastal Empire Economic Monitor reports mostly positive news, even as the Savannah-metro economy hit the pause button during the third quarter of 2015.
"Solid gains in total employment and consumer confidence were offset by dips in port activity, retail sales and air travel," says Allison Hersh, director of marketing and communications for Armstrong. "Electricity and hotel sales effectively were flat, along with the coincident index of economic activity for the region."
The Economic Monitor, which analyzes data and identifies trends affecting the regional economy, tracks key growth areas. The Coastal Empire coincident index remained level, after averaging a 1.3 percent annual pace for the previous three quarters. Growth in total employment provided most of the lift to the index while increases in consumer confidence across the region also played a supporting role.
However, seasonally adjusted retail sales did not rise with consumer confidence, falling roughly 10 percent from the previous quarter, and remain 4.7 percent below sales this time last year, after inflation adjustment.
“Jobs in the business and professional services sector continues to boom, adding another 500 during the quarter, which topped last year’s number by 15 percent,” said Michael Toma, Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics and the Director of Armstrong’s Center for Regional Analysis. “The continued momentum in this sector has vaulted it over total government employment into third place behind leisure and hospitality and education and health in terms of sector size. Increases in retail and local government have also contributed.”
In the housing market, building permit issuance for single-family homes has consistently remained robust, with 500 permits per quarter for three consecutive quarters. The seasonally adjusted number of new residential homes permitted for construction was 491, equal to the second quarter figure, and a slight dip from 493 in the first quarter.
Building permit issuance is up 11 percent from one year ago and has experienced the healthiest nine-month run since the first pre-recession quarters of 2007. During the previous two years, building permits for single-family homes have been issued with an average value of $202,500. In the third quarter of 2015 the number was $198,300, a 9.6 percent decline from the previous quarter of $219,400.
Additional highlights from the latest Economic Monitor include:
· The Coastal Empire leading economic index increased, but at a slightly slower pace than the second quarter. Favorable trends continued in the labor market, while housing held steady. Consumer expectations in the south Atlantic states declined substantially during the second quarter.
· Fourth quarter expectations are somewhat reduced from earlier projections, but regional economy is expected to close out the year on a modestly upbeat note. Economic growth is expected to continue through the first half of 2016, but modestly so.
· Seasonally adjusted employment in the three-county metro area increased 1,500 jobs to average 171,500 for the quarter. Throughout the year, employment growth trended down from four to three percent. However, in the Savannah area, employment growth remains well above the long-term average of 1.6 percent growth since 1990.
· Other service sectors remain positive. Retail employment increased by 400 workers and local government added 300 workers. In general, service sector employment increased 1,600 jobs and tourism employment was steady during the quarter.
· Port activity merits attention because of recently changing dynamics regarding east versus west coast trade. Labor strife in the west resulted in a diversion of cargo to the east coast. The norm of four-to-three market share in cargo trade for west versus east had fallen to be nearly even. However, a new labor pact was ratified by west coast labor unions in May and cargo trade is now beginning to return to previous patterns.
· In the labor market, seasonally adjusted initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) fell 3.5 percent to 707 per month from 732 claims. The number of new UI claims was 8.6 percent below previous year data and is below the expected numbers, given the size of the workforce. With falling UI claims and steady job growth, the unemployment rate fell four-tenths of a percentage point to 5.4 percent (seasonally adjusted).
The Coastal Empire Economic Monitor presents quarterly economic trends and short-term economic forecasts for Savannah’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The quarterly report measures the heartbeat of the local economy, based on the analysis of economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the City of Savannah, Georgia Power and the three counties in the MSA—Chatham, Bryan and Effingham.
The report presents a short-term forecast of the region’s economic activity in the next six to nine months and is available free by email. To subscribe, email [email protected].
Armstrong’s Center for Regional Analysis, housed in the university’s economics department, meets the applied research needs of Savannah's business and community organizations. Areas of concentrated research include regional economic forecasting, economic impact analysis, economic development and business expansion, tourism development, survey-based research and specialty reports on topics of state, regional and local interest.
"Solid gains in total employment and consumer confidence were offset by dips in port activity, retail sales and air travel," says Allison Hersh, director of marketing and communications for Armstrong. "Electricity and hotel sales effectively were flat, along with the coincident index of economic activity for the region."
The Economic Monitor, which analyzes data and identifies trends affecting the regional economy, tracks key growth areas. The Coastal Empire coincident index remained level, after averaging a 1.3 percent annual pace for the previous three quarters. Growth in total employment provided most of the lift to the index while increases in consumer confidence across the region also played a supporting role.
However, seasonally adjusted retail sales did not rise with consumer confidence, falling roughly 10 percent from the previous quarter, and remain 4.7 percent below sales this time last year, after inflation adjustment.
“Jobs in the business and professional services sector continues to boom, adding another 500 during the quarter, which topped last year’s number by 15 percent,” said Michael Toma, Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics and the Director of Armstrong’s Center for Regional Analysis. “The continued momentum in this sector has vaulted it over total government employment into third place behind leisure and hospitality and education and health in terms of sector size. Increases in retail and local government have also contributed.”
In the housing market, building permit issuance for single-family homes has consistently remained robust, with 500 permits per quarter for three consecutive quarters. The seasonally adjusted number of new residential homes permitted for construction was 491, equal to the second quarter figure, and a slight dip from 493 in the first quarter.
Building permit issuance is up 11 percent from one year ago and has experienced the healthiest nine-month run since the first pre-recession quarters of 2007. During the previous two years, building permits for single-family homes have been issued with an average value of $202,500. In the third quarter of 2015 the number was $198,300, a 9.6 percent decline from the previous quarter of $219,400.
Additional highlights from the latest Economic Monitor include:
· The Coastal Empire leading economic index increased, but at a slightly slower pace than the second quarter. Favorable trends continued in the labor market, while housing held steady. Consumer expectations in the south Atlantic states declined substantially during the second quarter.
· Fourth quarter expectations are somewhat reduced from earlier projections, but regional economy is expected to close out the year on a modestly upbeat note. Economic growth is expected to continue through the first half of 2016, but modestly so.
· Seasonally adjusted employment in the three-county metro area increased 1,500 jobs to average 171,500 for the quarter. Throughout the year, employment growth trended down from four to three percent. However, in the Savannah area, employment growth remains well above the long-term average of 1.6 percent growth since 1990.
· Other service sectors remain positive. Retail employment increased by 400 workers and local government added 300 workers. In general, service sector employment increased 1,600 jobs and tourism employment was steady during the quarter.
· Port activity merits attention because of recently changing dynamics regarding east versus west coast trade. Labor strife in the west resulted in a diversion of cargo to the east coast. The norm of four-to-three market share in cargo trade for west versus east had fallen to be nearly even. However, a new labor pact was ratified by west coast labor unions in May and cargo trade is now beginning to return to previous patterns.
· In the labor market, seasonally adjusted initial claims for unemployment insurance (UI) fell 3.5 percent to 707 per month from 732 claims. The number of new UI claims was 8.6 percent below previous year data and is below the expected numbers, given the size of the workforce. With falling UI claims and steady job growth, the unemployment rate fell four-tenths of a percentage point to 5.4 percent (seasonally adjusted).
The Coastal Empire Economic Monitor presents quarterly economic trends and short-term economic forecasts for Savannah’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The quarterly report measures the heartbeat of the local economy, based on the analysis of economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the City of Savannah, Georgia Power and the three counties in the MSA—Chatham, Bryan and Effingham.
The report presents a short-term forecast of the region’s economic activity in the next six to nine months and is available free by email. To subscribe, email [email protected].
Armstrong’s Center for Regional Analysis, housed in the university’s economics department, meets the applied research needs of Savannah's business and community organizations. Areas of concentrated research include regional economic forecasting, economic impact analysis, economic development and business expansion, tourism development, survey-based research and specialty reports on topics of state, regional and local interest.
Tags: economy , armstrong state university
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Detectives seek to identify the suspects who fired gunshots, that injured Onesimus Franklin, 40, on Burroughs and West 39th streets on Saturday morning.
At about 7:15 a.m., "Metro responded to West 35th and Burroughs street, where Franklin was suffering from a non-life-threatening shrapnel wound. He was taken to Memorial University Medical Center in a privately owned vehicle for treatment," police say.
"Franklin was at a stop sign when at least two unidentified subjects opened fire at his vehicle. Franklin sought help on 35th and Burroughs streets," police say.
Both suspects are black males. The first suspect stands roughly 5-4 and weighs 165 pounds. The second suspect stands about 5-3 and weighs roughly 156 pounds.
At about 7:15 a.m., "Metro responded to West 35th and Burroughs street, where Franklin was suffering from a non-life-threatening shrapnel wound. He was taken to Memorial University Medical Center in a privately owned vehicle for treatment," police say.
"Franklin was at a stop sign when at least two unidentified subjects opened fire at his vehicle. Franklin sought help on 35th and Burroughs streets," police say.
Both suspects are black males. The first suspect stands roughly 5-4 and weighs 165 pounds. The second suspect stands about 5-3 and weighs roughly 156 pounds.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Detectives have determined that a Friday afternoon shooting on the 1300 of East 54th Street was accidental.
"At about 12:46 p.m. Metro responded to the scene finding Rakeem Scott, 20, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries," police say.
"Detectives believe Scott had a gun in his possession while playing basketball with friends. He fell during the game, causing the gun to discharge."
"At about 12:46 p.m. Metro responded to the scene finding Rakeem Scott, 20, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries," police say.
"Detectives believe Scott had a gun in his possession while playing basketball with friends. He fell during the game, causing the gun to discharge."
Beginning next week, the City is offering 3 hours of free parking in any City-owned garage, making it easier than ever to park and shop in Downtown Savannah this holiday season.
From Thanksgiving till the end of December, the first three hours of parking are free in all City parking garages every Thursday and Friday. Regular rates apply after the first 3 hours.
Free parking is not offered during designated special event parking.
"With more than 3,000 spaces in the City’s five conveniently-located garages, there is almost always parking available just a few steps from of one of the most unique shopping districts in the Southeast," says Saja Aures with the City of Savannah Public Information Office.
Visit www.savannahga.gov/parking to view a map of garage locations, check rates, and see hours of operation.
The five City parking garages are:
- Bryan St. Garage, 100 E. Bryan St., (912) 651-6477
- Liberty St. Garage, 301 W. Liberty St., (912) 644-5934
- Robinson Garage, 132 Montgomery St., (912) 651-6478
- State St. Garage, 100 E. State St., (912) 651-6473
- Whitaker St Garage, 7 Whitaker St., (912) 525-2820
From Thanksgiving till the end of December, the first three hours of parking are free in all City parking garages every Thursday and Friday. Regular rates apply after the first 3 hours.
Free parking is not offered during designated special event parking.
"With more than 3,000 spaces in the City’s five conveniently-located garages, there is almost always parking available just a few steps from of one of the most unique shopping districts in the Southeast," says Saja Aures with the City of Savannah Public Information Office.
Visit www.savannahga.gov/parking to view a map of garage locations, check rates, and see hours of operation.
The five City parking garages are:
- Bryan St. Garage, 100 E. Bryan St., (912) 651-6477
- Liberty St. Garage, 301 W. Liberty St., (912) 644-5934
- Robinson Garage, 132 Montgomery St., (912) 651-6478
- State St. Garage, 100 E. State St., (912) 651-6473
- Whitaker St Garage, 7 Whitaker St., (912) 525-2820
Starting today, citizens residing within the boundaries of Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Islands Precinct will be the first beneficiaries of the Metro’s “Target Hardening” campaign to combat property theft.
"Islands Precinct patrol officers are advising citizens of ways to secure unattended property left in plain sight by distributing 'Target Hardening' forms," says Eunicia Baker, public relations coordinator at the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.
"The forms are divided into two categories: easy target and harder target. Practices causing citizen’s property to be easily targeted by thieves are identified on the forms, along with tips for reducing the odds of victimization."
The forms are then left in inconspicuous locations for the property owner’s review. Likewise, forms will be left to commend citizens taking necessary steps to make their property harder targets for thieves.
Records of all “Target Hardening” form distributions will be maintained for officers to analyze property security trends. Police resources will be allocated accordingly.
Metro’s Forensics and Islands Precinct Crime Prevention units partnered in developing this initiative.
“The forms will be distributed when deemed appropriate by officers patrolling from their vehicles and on foot,” said APO Hillary Nielsen, Islands Precinct Crime Prevention Officer. “This will help us identify property security needs and educate citizens on ways to pose a greater challenge to thieves.”
From Nov. 17, 2014 through the same date in 2015, SCMPD experienced nearly a 9% increase in property crime reports. The goal is to launch the “Target Hardening” initiative in all SCMPD precincts in 2016 to promote a reduction in property crime throughout the jurisdiction.
"Islands Precinct patrol officers are advising citizens of ways to secure unattended property left in plain sight by distributing 'Target Hardening' forms," says Eunicia Baker, public relations coordinator at the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.
"The forms are divided into two categories: easy target and harder target. Practices causing citizen’s property to be easily targeted by thieves are identified on the forms, along with tips for reducing the odds of victimization."
The forms are then left in inconspicuous locations for the property owner’s review. Likewise, forms will be left to commend citizens taking necessary steps to make their property harder targets for thieves.
Records of all “Target Hardening” form distributions will be maintained for officers to analyze property security trends. Police resources will be allocated accordingly.
Metro’s Forensics and Islands Precinct Crime Prevention units partnered in developing this initiative.
“The forms will be distributed when deemed appropriate by officers patrolling from their vehicles and on foot,” said APO Hillary Nielsen, Islands Precinct Crime Prevention Officer. “This will help us identify property security needs and educate citizens on ways to pose a greater challenge to thieves.”
From Nov. 17, 2014 through the same date in 2015, SCMPD experienced nearly a 9% increase in property crime reports. The goal is to launch the “Target Hardening” initiative in all SCMPD precincts in 2016 to promote a reduction in property crime throughout the jurisdiction.
Roger Moss and the Savannah Children’s Choir are set to make an appearance with Santa this year as the Grand Marshals of the Savannah Waterfront Association’s Lighted Christmas Parade.
"Roger Moss is an accomplished performer and community leader and is also the co-founder and Director of Development for the Savannah Children’s Choir," says Leigh Anne DiVito, public relations manager for the Savannah Waterfront Association.
"The choral organization is a community supported non-profit whose mission is to unite, mentor and transform Savannah’s children into responsible, creative, and confident leaders through excellence in choral performance and music education," DiVito adds.
“Each year the Savannah Waterfront staff and Board of Directors selects a community leader or group to serve as our grand marshal for our Lighted Christmas Parade. Since this marks the 10th anniversary of the Savannah Children’s Choir, we couldn’t think of a better or more festive group than this to kick off the holidays and parade with,” says Carrie Bligh, Executive Director for the Savannah Waterfront Association.
“I am, along with the children of the Savannah Children's Choir, are thrilled to be Grand Marshals this year,” says Moss. “For 10 years the Savannah Children's Choir has represented Savannah regionally, nationally and internationally garnering praise and awards."
The annual Lighted Christmas Parade is part of the Savannah Waterfront Association’s Christmas on the River festival which features a full schedule of local performances and arts and crafts vendors throughout the weekend.
The holiday celebration will kick off on Friday, December 4th from 4-10pm with First Friday Fireworks presented by Wet Willies at 9:30pm. The festivities will continue on Saturday December 5th from 10am-8pm with the annual parade starting at 5:30pm.
The lighted parade will begin on the west end of River Street and travel throughout downtown, ending in City Market.
This year’s parade will have over 40 community groups and businesses with multiple units of decorated cars, trucks, floats, and trolleys. Even the walking groups are wrapped in Christmas lights.
"Roger Moss is an accomplished performer and community leader and is also the co-founder and Director of Development for the Savannah Children’s Choir," says Leigh Anne DiVito, public relations manager for the Savannah Waterfront Association.
"The choral organization is a community supported non-profit whose mission is to unite, mentor and transform Savannah’s children into responsible, creative, and confident leaders through excellence in choral performance and music education," DiVito adds.
“Each year the Savannah Waterfront staff and Board of Directors selects a community leader or group to serve as our grand marshal for our Lighted Christmas Parade. Since this marks the 10th anniversary of the Savannah Children’s Choir, we couldn’t think of a better or more festive group than this to kick off the holidays and parade with,” says Carrie Bligh, Executive Director for the Savannah Waterfront Association.
“I am, along with the children of the Savannah Children's Choir, are thrilled to be Grand Marshals this year,” says Moss. “For 10 years the Savannah Children's Choir has represented Savannah regionally, nationally and internationally garnering praise and awards."
The annual Lighted Christmas Parade is part of the Savannah Waterfront Association’s Christmas on the River festival which features a full schedule of local performances and arts and crafts vendors throughout the weekend.
The holiday celebration will kick off on Friday, December 4th from 4-10pm with First Friday Fireworks presented by Wet Willies at 9:30pm. The festivities will continue on Saturday December 5th from 10am-8pm with the annual parade starting at 5:30pm.
The lighted parade will begin on the west end of River Street and travel throughout downtown, ending in City Market.
This year’s parade will have over 40 community groups and businesses with multiple units of decorated cars, trucks, floats, and trolleys. Even the walking groups are wrapped in Christmas lights.
Fort Pulaski will once again commemorate the Confederate Nog Party of 1861 on Friday, December 18, 2015 and Saturday, December 19, 2015.
The long lived Savannah tradition will continue this year with night-time tours of the fort by candlelight and oil lamps.
"The original party, held during Christmas 1861, gave the Confederate garrison at Fort Pulaski a respite from the tension of impending battle," says Joel Cadoff, park ranger at Fort Pulaski. "The fort casemates, armed with cannon, were decorated with holiday garlands and as one soldier commented, tables groaned under the weight of fine delicacies sent down from the city.
"With song and good cheer, the men celebrated a light-hearted moment as the dark clouds of war gathered over Savannah."
Visitors will have the unique experience of a guided tour of the fort by candlelight. Hot cider and cookies, caroling, and night-time weapons firings will allow visitors to re-live the festive occasion.
The long lived Savannah tradition will continue this year with night-time tours of the fort by candlelight and oil lamps.
"The original party, held during Christmas 1861, gave the Confederate garrison at Fort Pulaski a respite from the tension of impending battle," says Joel Cadoff, park ranger at Fort Pulaski. "The fort casemates, armed with cannon, were decorated with holiday garlands and as one soldier commented, tables groaned under the weight of fine delicacies sent down from the city.
"With song and good cheer, the men celebrated a light-hearted moment as the dark clouds of war gathered over Savannah."
Visitors will have the unique experience of a guided tour of the fort by candlelight. Hot cider and cookies, caroling, and night-time weapons firings will allow visitors to re-live the festive occasion.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
The campaign of Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders announces campaign stops in Georgia and South Carolina this weekend.
On Sunday, November 22, Sanders speaks at 6 p.m. at Savannah Station, 601 Cohen St. Doors open at 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged, click here. Admission is first come, first served.
Earlier the same day at 3 p.m. Sanders speaks at Darrah Hall, Penn Center, 16 Penn Center Circle West, St. Helena, SC. Doors open at 2 p.m. First come, first served.
On Sunday, November 22, Sanders speaks at 6 p.m. at Savannah Station, 601 Cohen St. Doors open at 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged, click here. Admission is first come, first served.
Earlier the same day at 3 p.m. Sanders speaks at Darrah Hall, Penn Center, 16 Penn Center Circle West, St. Helena, SC. Doors open at 2 p.m. First come, first served.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
The Chatham County Board of Elections and Secretary of State Brian Kemp say they are working together to increase monitoring and ensure compliance during the upcoming December 1st runoff elections for the City of Savannah.
"The Board of Elections is taking additional steps and is committed to continuing to make certain that elections are honestly, efficiently and uniformly conducted in compliance with state and federal law," a spokesperson says.
The efforts come with photographed evidence of campaign workers handing out so-called "Sample Ballots," marked with only names of incumbents, within the legal 150-foot restriction area around polling places.
"While carefully observing campaigners’ fundamental free speech rights, the Board of Elections will insist upon compliance with the 150-foot restriction. If anyone refuses to comply, the Board of Elections will call law enforcement. Campaigning within 150 feet of a polling place is a misdemeanor punishable under Georgia law," the spokesperson says.
The Board of Elections has highlighted this concern to poll managers. "We are asking the candidates to make sure to highlight this concern to their campaign workers as well. Additional efforts are being made to assist poll managers in identifying and enforcing these boundaries and information will be readily available to the campaigns and others advising of the boundaries that will be enforced," the spokesperson says.
"The Board of Elections is taking additional steps and is committed to continuing to make certain that elections are honestly, efficiently and uniformly conducted in compliance with state and federal law," a spokesperson says.
The efforts come with photographed evidence of campaign workers handing out so-called "Sample Ballots," marked with only names of incumbents, within the legal 150-foot restriction area around polling places.
"While carefully observing campaigners’ fundamental free speech rights, the Board of Elections will insist upon compliance with the 150-foot restriction. If anyone refuses to comply, the Board of Elections will call law enforcement. Campaigning within 150 feet of a polling place is a misdemeanor punishable under Georgia law," the spokesperson says.
The Board of Elections has highlighted this concern to poll managers. "We are asking the candidates to make sure to highlight this concern to their campaign workers as well. Additional efforts are being made to assist poll managers in identifying and enforcing these boundaries and information will be readily available to the campaigns and others advising of the boundaries that will be enforced," the spokesperson says.
