Election Day 2025: Your Statesboro Voting Guide + This Week's Events

Good morning Statesboro!

Tomorrow is the big day. If you haven't voted early, Election Day is here - and this isn't just about choosing a mayor. You're also deciding on two tax measures that will shape our schools and property taxes for years to come.

Beyond the election, this week brings Georgia Southern's biggest rivalry game (Thursday night against App State), the Toys for Tots kickoff, and a rare chance to see the #5 LSU women's basketball team at our brand-new arena.

Let's dive in.

Polls open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM at all county precincts

If you're registered to vote in Statesboro or Bulloch County, tomorrow is your chance to make your voice heard. Here's what you need to know.

The Mayoral Race: McCollar vs. Harris

Incumbent Mayor Jonathan McCollar seeks his third term after eight years leading Statesboro. McCollar, the city's first African American mayor, points to significant achievements: nearly 30% poverty reduction, declining violent crime, and $128 million in commercial development currently underway. He's championed infrastructure improvements, economic growth initiatives, and community partnerships during his tenure.

Challenger Raymond L. Harris Sr., a disabled U.S. Army veteran and small business owner, is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and accountability. Harris believes eight years is enough for any mayor and advocates for addressing what he sees as municipal overspending and the need for fresh leadership.

Read more about the mayoral race at Grice Connect

City Council Races

District 1: Incumbent Tangie Johnson (who won last year's special election with 50.85% of the vote) faces John Grotheer, who brings 20+ years of local government experience as former city clerk and finance director.

District 4: John Riggs runs unopposed and will continue representing his district.

The Two Tax Questions: E-SPLOST VI and FLOST

These referendums will have real financial impact on every Bulloch County resident, so here's what they actually mean:

E-SPLOST VI (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax)

This renews the existing 1-cent sales tax for Bulloch County Schools from January 1, 2028 through December 31, 2032. You've been paying this tax since 2003 - the question is whether to continue it.

What it funds: The big-ticket item is constructing a new Southeast Bulloch High School for 2,000 students. The district already has half the funding from the current E-SPLOST; approval would complete the project. Also funded: new school buses, technology upgrades, renovations at four feeder schools, a potential multi-purpose facility at Statesboro High, a new gymnasium at Portal Middle-High, and general facility maintenance.

The alternative: Without E-SPLOST, the district estimates needing a 5-mill property tax increase to fund these capital projects. Since Georgia Southern students and regional visitors contribute through sales tax when they shop here, E-SPLOST spreads the cost beyond just property owners.

Learn more about E-SPLOST VI at Bulloch County Schools

FLOST (Floating Local Option Sales Tax)

This is NEW - not a renewal. FLOST would add a 9th penny to your sales tax (from 8% to 9%) starting January 1, 2026, but the revenue can ONLY be used to reduce property taxes.

How it works: The City Manager estimates FLOST could slash Statesboro's millage rate from 8.625 mills to around 5 mills - that's approximately $3.4 million annually in property tax relief. However, you'll pay more at the cash register (9% sales tax is significant), and the property tax relief won't hit until fall 2027 (18+ months after collection starts). Sales taxes also disproportionately affect lower-income residents who spend a higher percentage of income on taxable goods.

The timing factor: FLOST works with a new "floating homestead exemption" that limits annual taxable home value increases to the inflation rate, protecting homeowners when property values spike suddenly.

Read about early voting and referendums at Grice Connect

Where and How to Vote

Find your polling location at mvp.sos.ga.gov

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID).

If you're in line when polls close at 7:00 PM, you WILL be allowed to vote.

Questions? Call Bulloch County Elections at (912) 764-6502.

As of October 28, only 2,311 voters had participated in early voting. Your vote matters - make it count tomorrow.

What's New This Week

With Halloween behind us and Election Day tomorrow, this week is all about civic participation and looking forward. The big stories are happening at the ballot box - we covered the details above.

Recent Reminders:

The Fire Station 3 groundbreaking happened last Thursday (October 30), officially launching construction on the $4.8 million facility behind Lowe's. Completion is expected by summer 2026.

RecycleFest happened Saturday and was a huge success, with residents dropping off electronics, getting documents shredded, and using the Fix-It Fair to repair items instead of trashing them. If you missed it, mark your calendar for next year.

This Week's Focus: Tomorrow's election, Thursday's rivalry football game, and Saturday's historic LSU women's basketball matchup. Let's make it count.

🏈 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES UPDATE

Football: Thursday Night Rivalry at Appalachian State

This week's marquee event isn't Saturday - it's Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 PM EST when Georgia Southern travels to Boone, North Carolina to face Appalachian State in a crucial Sun Belt Conference East Division matchup.

The Eagles enter 3-5 overall and 1-3 in Sun Belt East play after a bye week following a 34-24 loss at Arkansas State. App State stands 4-4 overall and 3-5 in the Sun Belt after falling 24-21 to Old Dominion. Georgia Southern won the last meeting 29-20 on November 30, 2024.

The game airs on ESPN Networks (specific network TBD), giving our Eagles prime Thursday night exposure. Head coach Clay Helton, in his fourth year, has the team averaging 26.0 points per game with a +3 turnover margin (45th in FBS nationally), though defensive struggles show with 37.4 points allowed per game.

Upcoming home games: November 15 vs. Coastal Carolina (Salute to Service) and November 22 vs. Old Dominion (Senior Day, Blue Out, First Responders Appreciation).

Check the full schedule at GSEagles.com

Women's Basketball Opens Season - #5 LSU Visits Saturday!

Women's basketball launched its season tonight (Monday, November 3) against Central Michigan in the MAC/SBC Challenge at the new Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center. Head coach Hana Haden enters her second year after a 16-win inaugural season.

But here's the week's biggest event: #5 LSU visits Saturday, November 9, marking the first time a nationally-ranked team has played at our new arena. This is HUGE. The Lady Eagles, picked 10th in the Sun Belt preseason poll, get a chance to prove themselves against one of the nation's elite programs.

The team also plays at Florida State on Wednesday, November 6 before the LSU showdown.

Key returners include McKenna Eddings (8.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.3 apg) and Shanti Simmons (7.0 ppg, 53% shooting) - both sixth-year players who've each scored 1,000+ career points. The roster added seven transfer portal players and two freshmen, including graduate transfer Destiny Garrett, an NCAA Division II All-American.

Coach Haden emphasizes up-tempo basketball: 30 three-point attempts with 10 makes per game, combined with full-court pressing every possession. This should be entertaining basketball.

More at GSEagles.com

Volleyball Keeps Rolling

Volleyball continues its strong season at 18-5 overall and 9-3 in Sun Belt Conference play after sweeping Coastal Carolina 3-0 on Friday, November 1 at Hanner Fieldhouse (25-22, 25-20, 25-23).

Head coach Chad Willis, in his sixth year, has built a team playing with "unfinished business" as their motto after finishing 22-7 last season and going undefeated at home during the regular season. The atmosphere at Hanner Fieldhouse has been electric this year - if you haven't caught a match, it's worth the trip.

Election Day Tuesday, November 4 | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | All county precincts Vote for mayor, city council, E-SPLOST VI, and FLOST. Bring photo ID.

Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Meeting Tuesday, November 4 | 5:30 PM | Board of Commissioners Room, North Main Annex (113 N. Main Street)

Regional Library Board Meeting Tuesday, November 5 | 3:45 PM | Statesboro Regional Library (124 S. Main Street)

Bulloch County Board of Education Meeting Thursday, November 6 | 6:30 PM | Board Room, Central Office/Transition Learning Center (Williams Road)

Note: The regular Statesboro City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday has been cancelled due to lack of agenda items.

The official start of the 2025 Toys for Tots campaign coordinated by the Statesboro Jaycees! Last year's campaign provided toys for 707 children. Come donate, pick up collection boxes for your business, and help make sure every child in Bulloch County has gifts this holiday season.

More info at Grice Connect

Kaleidoscope: Harvest Moon Gala Thursday, November 6 | 6:30-9:00 PM | The Food Bank (corner of Northside Drive West and Miller Street) | $38/person

Fundraiser featuring cocktails, mocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, live music with Dr. Michael Braz, and a silent auction. All proceeds support The Food Bank's mission. Tickets at statesborofoodbank.org or call (912) 386-1462.

Fallin' Into Fun Festival Saturday, November 9 | 2:00-4:00 PM | Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University | FREE

Family fun with fall adventures, games, farm activities, and music. Perfect for kids of all ages.

Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market Saturday, November 9 | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Downtown Statesboro | FREE

Fresh local produce, music, activities, and more. Weekly tradition continues!

HL-GA Battery Company Hiring Event Monday, November 4 | 12:00-6:00 PM | Ogeechee Technical College

Hyundai-LG joint venture seeks manufacturing employees for the regional plant. Bring resume.

All week, FREE programs:

Monday, November 3:

Tuesday & Thursday:

Wednesday, November 5:

Thursday, November 6:

Friday, November 7:

Saturday, November 8:

Sunday, November 9:

Call (912) 764-1341 or visit strl.info for more information.

Football at Appalachian State Thursday, November 6 | 7:30 PM EST | Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, NC ESPN Networks | Sun Belt Conference showdown

Women's Basketball at Florida State Wednesday, November 6 | Time TBD | Tallahassee, FL

Women's Basketball vs. #5 LSU Saturday, November 9 | Time TBD | Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center HUGE GAME - first nationally-ranked team at the new arena!

Men's Basketball vs. North Carolina Asheville Friday, November 8 | 8:00 PM EST | Hanner Fieldhouse

Combined Ensemble Concert Thursday, November 6 | 7:30 PM | Fine Arts Auditorium | FREE Featuring multiple GSU music ensembles

Eagle Preview Admissions Open House Saturday, November 8 | Statesboro Campus One-on-one meetings with academic reps, campus tours, info sessions for prospective students. Register at georgiasouthern.edu

November 14-15: Veterans Week 4th Annual Veterans Appreciation Golf Scramble on Friday, November 14 (8:00 AM-3:00 PM at GSU Golf Course). All proceeds support tuition gaps and scholarships for military-connected students. Saturday, November 15 brings Salute to Service when Georgia Southern hosts Coastal Carolina at Paulson Stadium.

November 21-23: The Nutcracker Ballet Averitt Center for the Arts presents the annual holiday tradition.

Thanksgiving Break Georgia Southern's Thanksgiving break runs November 27-December 1. Campus services will be limited, and most offices closed.

Big week ahead, Statesboro. Whether you're voting tomorrow, cheering on the Eagles Thursday night, or catching that LSU women's basketball game Saturday, there's a lot happening in our community.

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See you next Monday, Statesboro.