East Cobb Goes to the Polls

East Cobb voters go to the polls today to choose a number of county and state office holders, to vote on the Cobb Sunday alcohol sales referendum and to help decide the fate of an Atlanta regional transportation sales tax.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Tuesday's primary elections in the metro Atlanta area are expected to be boosted by turnout for the TSPLOST -- the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax -- that has engerendered plenty of controversy. 

The penny tax would include the 10-county metro region and would be collected for 10 years, which proponents say will help relieve traffic congestion. 

Opponents contend the project list will not accomplish that objective and is more a wish list for developers and those with a vested interest in economic development.

Last week representatives of both sides of the issue held at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church in East Cobb.

The most hotly-contested countywide race is the four-man Republican campaign for Cobb Commission Chairman. The final candidates' debate, also last week, between incumbent Tim Lee and former chairman Bill Byrne.

That race may go to an Aug. 21 runoff. Two East Cobb races also could be headed to runoffs. 

A tight battle is expected for the Cobb Board of Education Post 5 seat held by David Banks, who has two Republican challengers in a race that also . 

In the State House Distric 45 campaign, incumbent Matt Dollar in the GOP primary, including East Cobb publishing executive Cynthia Rozzo. 

Another East Cobb legislative incumbent is being tested in the Republican primary for the State House District 44 seat. Veteran Don Parsons has been touting his endorsement by the Cobb County Association of Educators.

His opponent is JoEllen Smith, who has Tea Party leanings and was endorsed by Georgia Right to Life. 

What was the turnout like at your precinct? What races and issues were most important to you? Let us know in the comments.

Several Cobb non-partisan judicial races also are on the ballot, as are Republican candidates for Cobb District Attorney and Cobb Superior Court Clerk. 

East Cobb Democrats will choose between Jeff Kazanow and Robert Montigel in the U.S. House 6th District primary, with the winner facing Republican Congressman Tom Price in November. 

Statewide races include two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission and several state judicial posts. 

For a complete list of candidates in contested races, sample ballots and precinct locations, please visit the .