Several contested political races in Chattooga County

SUMMERVILLE — Early voting starts Monday for several contested political races in Chattooga County and with statewide races. All the ballots contain two referendum questions relating to alcohol sales.

The first question is whether the county should allow “distilled spirits” to be sold on Sundays for onsite consumption. The second question is whether to allow retailers to sell beer and wine sales on Sundays.

All ballots will also contain the nonpartisan superior judgeship race for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit. Incumbent Superior Judge Ralph Van Pelt Jr., and Summerville Attorney Melissa Gifford Hise are competing for that post. There is also a contested Georgia Court of Appeals race on the ballot with Ken Hodges and Ken Shigley competing.

The Republican ballot features a contested Chattooga County School Board race. Sammy Ballard and Andy Stivers are completing on the partisan ballot for seat 3. The winner of that competition will face Eddie Massey (D-Menlo) in November’s General Election.

Brad Hayes, who is competing for seat 2, and Julia Houston, who is competing for seat 4, are listed on the Republican ballot.

They have no opponent in this primary election and will face Democrat opposition in November during the general election.

The Democrat ballot does not have a local contested race.