There has been some confusion about the early voter turnout figures from the two Athens elections we released today. This graphic does not show how people voted, but shows how many voted.
No results on how people voted will be released until after the polls close on Saturday.
Things are a bit convoluted this time around and I think there are some folks who are not quite sure of the process this election. Here are some important points to remember.
THERE ARE TWO ELECTIONS
The Athens Municipal Water Authority (AMWA) and the City of Athens are separate entities. That means they are holding two separate elections. Yes, they are both being conducted in the same place, but they are still two completely separate elections.
THERE ARE TWO BALLOTS
Each election has its own ballot. If you want to vote in both elections you have to vote both ballots.
DISSOLVING AMWA IS ON THE CITY BALLOT
Because the ordinance to dissolve AMWA was originally passed by the City Council, the proposition on whether to dissolve or keep AMWA is on the city’s ballot.
The rest of the city ballot is for City Council seats.
AMWA BOARD HAS ITS OWN BALLOT
The four people running for the AMWA board are own their own ballot.
The graphic shows that 767 people voted in the Athens election during early voting. That was for City Council seats and dissolve/keep AMWA.
The graphic shows that 708 people voted in the AMWA election during early voting. That was for the AMWA board.