Voter Turnout Steady in Snellville

By 12:30 more than 850 people had come through to cast their ballots in elections for mayor and Sunday alcohol sales. And, about that many had already voted in advance of the election, according to poll officials.

With more than 1,600 votes cast by lunchtime, this municipal election is shaping up to bring out more citizens than the 2007 mayoral race between Jerry Oberholtzer and Bruce Garraway. In that election, some 2,183 people voted for mayor, with just 19 votes separating the two candidates.

This time around, Kelly Kautz and Barbara Bender are vying for the top spot. Each with devoted supporters, ideas for progress for Snellville and a history of work on the city council.

After dealing with a few campaign issues in past few days, Kautz said she remains committed to sticking out her efforts to claim the mayoral city until the very last minute.

"Being out here and seeing the people and hearing the horns honk, kind of, restores your faith," said the attorney, as she held a campaign poster near the entrance of Snellville City Hall.

A campaign supporter, Ernestine Hallman was standing right there by her side. She came to like Kautz when members of her neighborhood, Old Hickory Village, were fighting against a crematory.

"It's the first time I've every worked in politics before, and I'm for Kelly," said the Snellville resident. "I wanted to help her."

Bender, reached by phone, said she was good spirits, especially because voters were actually taking the time to come and vote.

"So far I'm really encouraged," she said. "It seems like it's going to be good turnout, from the numbers of whose going in. We just have to wait and see.”

Election officials said the voters had come in a steady stream since the doors opened at 7 a.m., with the biggest turnout between 10 a.m. and noon. The current mayor Oberholtzer cast his ballot about 10:45 a.m., officials said.

As citizens went inside the voting area, they were instructed to turn off their cell phones -- a state law. In addition, officials were also busy informing people that they could not vote in the county election at Snellville City Hall.

"Every once in a while, you have people who want to complain," said John Mitchell, who has been a poll official with the county and city for about a decade.

All in all, most folks walked in with smiles and gladly adhered to the rules, he added. Despite the long day, Mitchell likes the job.

"I just think you know, it's a good civic duty," he said.

David Brown, member of the Snellville's Board of Appeals since 2003, was the first person in line to vote. He cast his vote for Bender, who he thinks brings the right temperament to the job of mayor. He's looking forward to a better working relationship among city leaders.

"I'm really hoping for, I guess, peace and cooperation," he said. "I'd like to see the council not necessarily agree on everything, but at least be able to discuss there differences a lot more respectfully."