Candidates and election officials are gearing up for the Tuesday runoff that features two Spalding County races.

Spalding County Election Supervisor Terry Colling said that the polling places — the same ones used in the July 15 primaries — will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

A photo ID is required for voting. Valid forms of ID include a Georgia driver’s license (even if it is expired), any valid state or federal-government issued photo ID, including a free voted ID card issued by county registrar or Department of Driver’s Services, a valid U.S. passport, a valid employee photo ID from any federal, state or local government agency or entity, a valid military photo ID or a valid tribal photo ID.

The two candidates for the Republican nomination for the Fourth District — who will face no Democratic opposition in November — of the Spalding County Commission are ready for the runoff.

“I feel confident after moving around the district and talking to people who are supporting me,” said incumbent Spalding County Commissioner Eddie Freeman. “I do feel confident I will be able to win and continue doing what I’ve been doing as county commissioner.”

He said the real issues for the county are keeping property taxes low, eliminating the school property tax requirement for senior citizens, implementing commuter rail and raising Spalding County’s profile at the state level. He also said he would continue to promote the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

“I think from talking to constituents and based on overall interest of the voters, it sounds good,” said Ed Brown, who is challenging Freeman. “In speaking with the constituents of the Fourth District, their interests are high for a change, for more professional management and leadership of the Fourth District.”

He said that voters are disappointed with Freeman and he will provide ethical and professional leadership if he is elected.

The two Democrats vying for the right to challenge Republican incumbent Sheriff Dee Stewart — Maj. Wendell Beam and Jesse Maddox — are also ready for the runoff.

“Naturally, I hope I win,” Beam said. I hope there’s a good voter turnout for the election because there’s a lot of concern people won’t return to the polls.”

He said that he hoped people who voted in the July Democratic race will return to the polls for the runoff and emphasized that people who did not vote at all can vote.

He said he appreciated those who supported him in the July primary and he hopes they will return to vote for him in the runoff.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Maddox said. “I’ve done everything I think I can do. It’s all going to depend on how many voters get out and vote.”

He said that at this point, it’s all in the voters’ hands.

Those interested in finding out more information on the runoff can contact the Spalding County Elections Office at 770-467-4370.