Polk County Primary Election: Polls open until 7:00 p.m.

The polls opened this morning at 7:00 a.m. and will remain available until 7:00 p.m. tonight as a record turnout is expected in the Polk County Primary Election.

For the first time since Reconstruction, the countywide election is exclusively Republican, as no Democrats qualified for any county office.

Unlike in previous years, the Primary Election will be the deciding factor on who will be elected, rather than the November General Election.

Incumbent Polk County Sheriff Johnny Moats of Cedartown is facing a challenge from John Wayne Anderson of Rockmart.

In the Polk County Commission District 2 race, incumbent Ray Barber of Rockmart faces three challengers, including former county commissioners Phillip Bentley of Cedartown and Ricky Clark of Rockmart.  Former school board member Charles Thaxton is also seeking the District 2 seat.

The current chair of the county commission Stephanie Drake Burford of Rockmart faces a challenge to her current District 3 seat from another former county commissioner, Larry Reynolds of Rockmart.

The Polk County Board of Education race for District 5 includes incumbent Terry Estes and challenger Kristy Gober.

The current chair of the school board, Harold McDurmon faces a challenge in the District 6 race from Hal Floyd of Rockmart.

Michael Gravett is challenging the District 3 seat held by Scottie Worthington.

In other races, incumbent Probate Court Judge Linda Smith will face former Polk County District Attorney Bobby Brooks.

The Polk County Tax Commissioner race is up for grabs, as current commissioner Dorthy Wood announced her retirement earlier in the year.  David McElwee of Cedartown and Kathy Cole of Rockmart are seeking the post.

For a county election map, CLICK HERE.

You can also call the Polk County Board of Elections Office with any voting questions at (770) 749-2103.