There will a Special Election on July 31, 2012, to fill the unexpired term of Upson County Commission Seat District 3. Former District 3 Commissioner Rusty Blackston has resigned his post to run for County Commission Chairman. Qualifying dates for this election will be June 20, 2012, starting at 9 a.m., and ending June 22, 2012, at 12 noon. For more information on this Special Election, contact the Upson County Office of Voter Registration at 706-647-6259.

Upson County voters will also be casting ballots in several state and Congressional battles during the July 31 Primary Election.

Under the new redistricting plan, Upson County has moved into State Senate District 18, a seat currently held by Republican Cecil Slaton of Macon. Slaton will face opposition in the Primary from fellow Republican, Dr. Spencer Price of Thomaston.

In the State House, District 131 incumbent Billy Maddox is not running for re-election, leaving the seat open. Qualifying for the post are former Superior Court Judge Johnnie L. Caldwell, Jr., of Thomaston, and Barnesville businessman Ryan Christopher. Both are running as Republicans.

For Georgia’s District 3 Representative in the United States Congress, incumbent Republican Lynn Westmoreland faces opposition from fellow Republicans “Chip” Flanegan of Jonesboro and Kent Kingsley of Milner.

Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard of Fayetteville qualified to run for re-election, and has no challengers to his post.