SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — Effingham County’s political parties are beginning preparations for the May 19 primary elections, where voters will weigh in on a slate of local, state and federal races that will shape the November general election. The May 19 contest is part of Georgia’s statewide primary election, when voters choose which candidates will represent their party on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Several key local offices, including county commission and school board seats, are up for election, along with high-profile state and congressional races. Candidates planning to run in the primary must qualify between March 2 and March 6. Voters must be registered by April 20 to participate. Voters will cast ballots in two U.S. House races, each for two-year terms: U.S. House District 1, currently held by Rep. Buddy Carter, and U.S. House District 12, currently held by Rep. Rick Allen. At the county level, three seats on the Effingham County Board of Commissioners are up for re-election, each carrying four-year terms. The races include District 2, held by Roger Burdette; District 3, held by Jamie DeLoach; and District 5, held by Phil Kieffer. Two Effingham County Board of Education s
