Commission approves up to $95,200 from contingency to cover special election and runoff for House District 130

The Augusta-Richmond County Commission voted March 31 to allocate up to $95,200 from the general fund contingency to cover the costs of a March 10 special election for House District 130 and the April 7 runoff.

Elections Director Travis Doss told the commission that the March special election cost just under $60,000 and that the runoff, with fewer days of early voting, was expected to cost roughly $38,000. Doss said the largest line items were poll worker pay and advanced voting staffing; early voting locations for the runoff were the municipal building (Linda Beasley room) and Henry Bighgam Community Center, open 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. through April 2.

Why it matters: The special election followed the resignation of a state representative and required unbudgeted election administration costs. The director reminded commissioners that turnout in the special election was slightly above 4 percent and encouraged eligible voters in the district to participate in the runoff.

Action taken: The commission approved the funding request, with money coming from the general fund contingency.

Next steps: Elections staff will proceed with runoff operations and provide updates on turnout and final costs.