TIFTON, GA (WALB) -
It does not take long to notice the energy surrounding elections in Tift County. Supporters of candidates have lined the streets for the last two days as early voting began.
If you drive down Tift Avenue this week, you're bound to be flooded with the vibrant colors of campaign signs and the loud yells of support for candidates.
The Sheriff's election is one that has the town buzzing.
A Gene Scarbrough supporter says he can clean up the county.
"We have found out in Tift County there are about 17 known gangs," said George Gantt about Scarbrough. "Drugs are most anywhere you want to go find them. That is one of his pet peeves."
A Dennis Reese fan thinks that Reese's experience separates him from the other two candidates.
"We feel he is the best qualified for the job," said Reese supporter Terry Hurley. "I've been knowing him all of my life. All I know is good things about him. He has been in the law enforcement for about 25 years."
Also running for Sheriff is Steve Wood. Supporters say his service to the Tifton community in the past speaks for itself.
"Steve has been an part of this community for many years in public service,"said Wood supporter Dawn McIntyre. "Almost twenty years. He is a family man. He has served with the police department, sheriff's department, and his currently serving as the county coroner."
Cars were honking, people were yelling, and hands were waving all day in Tifton. They all want people to vote early and make an educated choice.
"Character and experience," said Hurley about Reese. "I feel his experience separates him from them."
Wood's daughter said: "vote for my daddy, Steve Wood, for sheriff."
"He has been an asset to not only the state patrol, but every place he has ever been," said Gantt about Scarbrough.
They say they will be standing and waving through July 31st.
Election officials say they can see a difference with this election compared to previous years. They have already had more than 500 people vote in the first two days of early voting.
It has been a good turnout for early voting in Tift County, likely fueled by a highly contested sheriff's race.
On the first day of voting, Monday, there was a line out the door at times. There was a steady flow of voters Tuesday.
More than five hundred people have filled out their ballots since yesterday.
"The Sheriff is not running this year,"said Bob Swartz with the Tift County Board of Elections. "So, it has been a strong race. I think that is one reason we have seen a lot of people. I think there is also a general interest in this election. I think that is one of the reasons why."
"He says they expect to have a steady flow through July 27th when early voting ends. Election day is July 31st. They encourage voters to do their homework and look at sample ballots before casting their votes.
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Dennis Reese
Steve Wood
Gene Scarbrough
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