In a jungle primary, your vote matters more than ever—because the rules are different, and the stakes are higher.

Unlike traditional elections where each party picks their own candidate first, a jungle primary puts every candidate from every party on one big ballot, and every voter gets one chance to make their voice heard. That means your vote could be the one that decides which two candidates move on—or who wins outright.

Whether you’re Democrat, Republican, Independent, or undecided, you don’t have to wait for your party’s turn—you vote when it counts most.

In a jungle primary, every vote shapes the future, so sitting it out could mean letting someone else choose your leaders for you.

What is a “Jungle Primary”?

A jungle primary is a type of election where everyone runs on the same ballot, no matter what political party they belong to.

Think of it like a big race where Democrats, Republicans, Independents—everyone runs together.

Step-by-Step: How It Works in Georgia

✅ Step 1: All Candidates Are on One Ballot

• Instead of separate ballots for each political party, all candidates appear on one ballot.

• Voters choose any candidate, no matter their party.

Example: You might see a Democrat, two Republicans, a Libertarian, and an Independent all listed together.

Step 2: Everyone Gets to Vote

• All voters can vote, no matter their party registration.

• You just pick your favorite candidate, regardless of political party.

Step 3: Win It All – If You Get Over 50%

• If one candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, they win right away.

• No more elections needed.

⚔️ Step 4: Runoff If No One Gets 50%

• If no one gets over 50%, the top two vote-getters go to a runoff election.

• This means there will be a second election with just those two.

Even if both top candidates are from the same party, they can still face off in the runoff.

Why Does Georgia Use It?

• Georgia uses the jungle primary system only for special elections, like when a seat becomes open suddenly (for example, someone resigns or passes away).

• It helps fill the seat quickly without separate party primaries.

Example:

Let’s say there’s a special election for State Senate. Here are the candidates:

• Maria (Republican)

• James (Democrat)

• Lisa (Republican)

• Karen (Independent)

Everyone votes. No one gets over 50%.
Maria (40%) and James (30%) got the most votes.
They go to a runoff, and voters pick between those two in the final election.

Recapping the June 17 Board of Commissioners Meeting (So You Don’t Have To Sit Through 3 Hours of Government)

You know what screams “wild summer night”? If you said fireworks, beer, and burgers, you're halfway right. The rest of us were watching the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners in a marathon June 17 meeting that was surprisingly full of... well, fireworks—but the legislative kind.

In just under three hours, your local officials tackled everything from wildlife land preservation to golf cart rebellions, horse-related fireworks trauma, gas station zoning wars, and even a pitch for an ice skating rink.

So pour a tall glass of whatever makes local politics more digestible, and let’s get into the seven most important takeaways from the meeting.

️1. Saving Pine Log: Green Space or Bust

Topic: $2M Commitment Toward Pine Log Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Purchase
Vote: Approved Unanimously ✅

For nearly three years, the 14,000-acre Pine Log WMA has been on life support. The state couldn’t close the deal, the owners wanted to develop, and the vibe was full “RIP to green space.”

But now? Hope has galloped in, possibly on horseback.

• Bartow County committed $5 million

• Cherokee County? Committed up to $2 million, contingent on a solid Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)

Why it matters:
Pine Log WMA is a massive outdoor playground—used by hikers, hunters, and nature lovers—and 2,500 acres of it sits in Cherokee County. Commissioners called it a "regional resource" and said the quiet part out loud: "Once it's gone, it's gone."

“I think $2 million is a good investment in 50 more years of green space.” —Commissioner Carter

Mic drop .

2. Millage Rate Gets a Flexible Bump

Topic: Advertising 2025 Property Tax Rate
Decision: 5.307 mills will be advertised

This is basically the “we’re not raising taxes…yet” maneuver. The Commission approved advertising a slightly higher tentative millage rate of 5.307, up from 5.153.

But here's the catch:

• This rate gives them flexibility to fund public safety and other services

• Homeowners with homestead exemption won’t feel the full pinch

• The actual adopted rate could be lower

TL;DR:
They're hedging their tax bets and leaving room to adjust. Fiscal chess, not checkers.

3. Golf Carts Get Legal in Lovingood Landing

Topic: Motorized Cart District Approval
Result: Passed Unanimously ✅

You’d think people would rise up over speed bumps or HOA dues. But in Lovingood Landing, residents packed the room for a much nobler cause: golf cart freedom.

• 51 out of 53 homes supported the proposal

• 10 people signed up to speak in favor

• Emotional testimony was given (yes, seriously)

“We’re a family. These carts bring us together.” —Resident Debbie Gifford, while nearly crying

Honestly? It was kind of beautiful.

️ 4. Road Retirement: Morris Road Bows Out

Topic: Partial Abandonment of Morris Road
Result: Approved ✅

A dusty stretch of Morris Road—mostly weeds, barely used—will now be deeded to two homeowners. But not before some classic public comment confusion over whether other landowners would lose access.

Spoiler alert: They won’t.

The county clarified:

• Only the green and yellow shaded no-man’s land was being abandoned

• Bill Smith Drive remains untouched and accessible

• Legal access stays intact

And yes, someone did refer to it as "chicken scratch" on the map. Democracy in action.

5. Fireworks vs. Horses: Neigh Means Neigh

Topic: Ban on Fireworks Within 200 Yards of Equine Facilities
Result: Unanimous Approval ✅ (Effective July 1, 2025)

This was the most impassioned portion of the night, with several equestrian lovers sharing traumatic stories of scared, injured, and even dead horses due to amateur fireworks.

Here’s the scoop:

• New law allows counties to ban fireworks near horses

• Cherokee County adopted the 200-yard buffer rule

• Applies to barns, paddocks, and even pastures

• Violators could face fines (if caught)

Horse owners also offered:

• Suggestion to require signage at fireworks retailers

• Plans to spread awareness with signs like "Horses Nearby – Skip the Boom"

“A single bottle rocket could ignite 1,000 bales of hay.” —Resident Danielle Cook
“This is like firing a gun in the air and pretending the bullet doesn’t land.” —Jonathan Browning

Consider the motion... carried.

⛽ 6. Gas Stations & Car Washes Get Zoned

Topic: New Zoning Rules for Car Washes & Gas Stations
Result: Approved ✅

If you’ve noticed gas stations and car washes popping up like mushrooms in a cow pasture, you’re not alone.

Commissioners voted to:

• Require a special use permit in General Commercial zones

• Create official definitions for:

  • Car Wash (automatic or self-service)

  • Hand-Wash Car Services (excluded from new rules)

  • Gasoline Stations (including marine and truck stops)

Also, all those air pumps, vending machines, ice boxes, etc.?

• Now considered "ancillary equipment"

• Must be approved and in neutral/dark colors (no more neon eyesores)

One commissioner called it “gas pump gatekeeping.” OK, no they didn’t—but we’re calling it that.

7. Hotel/Motel Tax Increased to 8%

Topic: Local Tourism Tax Bump
Result: Approved ✅

Good news for tourism programs. Bad news for out-of-towners trying to save $4 on a Fairfield Inn.

The Commission voted to raise the tax from 6% to 8%, the state maximum. That puts Cherokee in line with 11 other nearby counties and cities.

Revenue will fund:

• Destination Cherokee marketing (via the Chamber of Commerce)

• History Cherokee and Woodstock Arts

• Parks and recreation

• Economic development

• Conference center support

No impact to locals unless you’re doing a “staycation at the Holiday Inn Express.”

“Let our visitors fund our fun.” —Vail Blackmon, Chamber of Commerce

BONUS: The Ice Rink Pitch

Topic: Public Comment Proposal
Decision: No action taken (yet)

A community member made a passionate case for building an ice skating facility in Cherokee County:

• Demand for ice time is rising

• Nearby rinks are closing

• Atlanta might be getting another NHL team

• Revenue potential from youth hockey, figure skating, adult leagues

It wasn’t an official agenda item, but the Commissioners nodded like, “Noted, citizen.”

Watch this space.

Final Thoughts

From horse-protection laws to golf cart revolutions, this meeting wasn’t your typical snoozefest. Cherokee County is clearly growing—fast—and the Board of Commissioners is walking the tightrope between preserving rural character and managing suburban sprawl.

Whether you're here for the open space, the horse trails, or the politics (we see you), 1 thing is clear:

Cherokee County ain’t boring anymore.

Want to See the Full Meeting?

Add a link here:
➡️ Watch the full June 17, 2025 Cherokee BOC meeting replay

Coming Next:

• Who gets to build the next liquor store? A lottery is happening July 15.

• Will your neighborhood soon be a golf cart district too?

• Does an 8% hotel tax mean better concerts? (Asking for a friend.)

Stay tuned.

Something’s Happening in North Georgia…

You know the political ground is shifting when Democrats fill a church in Cherokee County on a Thursday night like it’s a Beyoncé concert. This deep-red Georgia stronghold—where Republicans have long held sway like barbecue sauce on ribs—is suddenly catching blue fever. So, what gives? Is Cherokee County, of all places, really going Democrat?

Let’s unpack what went down, why it matters, and how this county might just be a 2026 political bellwether worth watching (with popcorn in hand ).

Is Cherokee County Turning Blue?

Cherokee County is showing early signs of Democratic growth, especially in the southern part, but flipping the county in 2026 would be a major political upset. It’s more likely to be competitive—not fully blue—if current trends continue.

Stick Around—There's More at Stake Than Just One County

You’re about to learn:

• Why a Democratic town hall in Cherokee County raised eyebrows

• Who’s running (and not running) in 2026, and how that affects the local political chessboard

• Why Republican reps crashed a Dem event

• And what a small-business-owning attorney named Debra Shigley might mean for Georgia’s future

Let’s head down this political rabbit hole ️ .

️ A Town Hall With a Plot Twist

Cherokee County Democrats hosted a packed town hall at Allen Temple AME Church in Woodstock on May 1st. That alone is newsworthy. Cherokee has been painted red longer than a MAGA hat in the Georgia sun. But hundreds of attendees—including state lawmakers and concerned citizens—showed up.

Even more interesting? Two Republican state reps, Barry Byrd and Jordan Ridley, were also in the house. They weren't heckling or handing out flyers for gun raffles—they said they showed up so no one thought they were “hiding.” That’s the political version of “I’m not mad, I’m just here for the drama.”

The big message from Democrats that night? They want more candidates on local ballots in 2026. Their eyes are on flipping seats, energizing southern Cherokee voters, and turning whispers of blue into a roar.

Why Cherokee County Matters More Than You Think

Cherokee County isn’t just a suburb. It’s a bellwether-in-the-making. Here’s why:

• Fast-growing population: Migration from Atlanta is bringing in a younger, more diverse crowd.

• Southern Cherokee (near Woodstock and Holly Springs) is shifting. Voting patterns there are starting to lean purple.

• Statewide consequences: Georgia is already a battleground. Shifting counties like Cherokee could tip close races in the Senate or Governor's mansion.

In 2020, Joe Biden didn't win Cherokee—but he did better than expected in the southern portion. If Democrats can build momentum there, it could ripple outward, especially as Republicans face internal divisions and Trump-loyalist fatigue.

Major Political Players: Who’s In, Who’s Out

Let’s catch you up on the 2026 election landscape, because it’s all connected:

Candidate	Race	Party	Key Info
Jason Esteves	Governor	Democrat	State Senator from Atlanta. Announced 2026 run. Wants to energize urban & suburban Dems.
Brian Kemp	Senate	Republican	Not running against Ossoff in 2026. Big shocker.
Jon Ossoff	Senate (Incumbent)	Democrat	Safe for now, but a GOP challenger is TBD.
Debra Shigley	State Senate (Special Election)	Democrat	Attorney & business owner. Could flip a Republican-held seat.
Brandon Beach	Former State Senator	Republican	Vacating his seat for a Trump-picked federal position.

Governor Kemp stepping back from the Senate race might leave the door open for a Trump-aligned candidate, deepening Republican divides. Meanwhile, Esteves is aiming for the top spot in Georgia—and strong support in shifting counties like Cherokee could be critical.

️ The Debra Shigley Factor: A Test Case

Enter Debra Shigley, the kind of candidate that makes local GOP strategists double-check polling models. She’s:

• A Democratic attorney and small business owner

• Running for the State Senate seat being vacated by Brandon Beach

• Likely to face multiple Republican contenders in a special election

Here’s the twist: This race could serve as the canary in the coal mine. If Shigley performs well or pulls off a win, it’ll signal that Democrats have real traction in places previously seen as unflippable.

Even a close loss would put Republicans on notice.

Why the GOP Is Watching Their Rearview Mirror

It’s not just that a few Democrats are showing up in Cherokee—it’s that they’re showing up with strategy. They’re organizing, fundraising, and recruiting like they think they can win. That’s new.

Meanwhile, some Republican strongholds are dealing with identity crises, stuck between traditional conservatives and the more extreme MAGA crowd. That’s a recipe for fractured primaries and general-election vulnerabilities.

Even Republican Reps Barry Byrd and Jordan Ridley attending a Democratic event shows how high the political tension is. They know Cherokee isn’t as locked down as it used to be.

Bottom Line: Not Blue Yet, But the Map’s Changing

Let’s keep it real: Cherokee County flipping in 2026 is a long shot. But it’s not about turning the whole county blue—it’s about making it competitive.

If Democrats can shrink the margins, win local races, and keep the pressure on in places like Woodstock and Holly Springs, they’ll influence statewide races even if they don’t take the county outright.

So, is Cherokee County turning blue?

Not quite. But it’s no longer solid red—and in politics, momentum is everything. 

#CherokeeCounty #GeorgiaPolitics #2026Elections #TurningBlue #BrianKemp #GeorgiaDemocrats #WoodstockGA #NorthernGeorgia #SpecialElection

I M M I G R A T I O N

-99.995% DECREASE IN CATCH-AND-RELEASE: Released just 9

illegal aliens into the US between January 20, 2025 and April 1,

2025, a 99.995% decrease from the184,241 released by Biden in the

same period last year.

20,000 ILLEGALS ARRESTED IN ONE MONTH: Arrested over

20,000 illegal immigrants in a single month – a 627% increase in

monthly arrests compared to Biden.

5,000 SELF-DEPORTS: Pushed over 5,000 illegal migrants to self-

deport using the CBP One app.

5,000 REUNITED CHILDREN: Reunited nearly 5,000

unaccompanied children with a safe relative or guardian after more

than 300,000 children went missing under Biden.

-99% CROSSINGS: Just 194 US-bound migrants crossed the

Darien Gap in March, down more than 99% from the 37,000 who

crossed in March of last year.

T H E  E C O N O M Y

$8 TRILLION IN INVESTMENTS: President Trump has secured over

$8 trillion in investment, with the projects expected to create more

than 450,000 jobs.

$5 BILLION IN REVENUE: Unveiled the new “Gold Card” program,

which has already attracted a 250,000-

person waitlist and generated $5 billion in revenue in a single day.

459,000 JOBS: The US economy added a whopping 459,000 full-

time jobs in March, and exceeded economists’ total job creation

estimates by nearly100,000.

-6.3% GAS PRICES: Gas prices fell by a whopping 6.3% in March,

with energy prices dropping 2.4%.

-0.4% WHOLESALE PRICES: Wholesale prices fell 0.4% month-

over-month in the March – the largest drop since October 2023.

-56% WHOLESALE EGGS: Wholesale egg prices are down over

56% from their peak.

$11,000 SAVED: Deregulatory actions will save nearly $11,000 per

family off our over the next several years.

-$12/BARREL: Crude oil prices have fallen by roughly $12/barrel,

compared to an $8/barrel increase under Obama and an$11/barrel

increase under Biden.

130 COUNTRIES: Since Liberation Day, at least 130 countries

have begun engaging in negotiations with the United States, with

the Trump administration already receiving at least 18 written trade

deal proposals.

A M E R I C A  I S  B A C K

139 EXECUTIVE ORDERS: Signed 139 executive orders, the most

of any president in United States history.

26 RELEASED HOSTAGES: Secured the release of at least 26

American hostages, including Pennsylvania school teacher Marc

Fogel, ballerina Ksenia Karelina, and missionary Robert Vieira.

74 TERRORISTS KILLED: Approved strikes that have killed over 74

terrorists seeking toattack the US homeland, including the head of

ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

1,009 QUESTIONS: Took 1,009 questions in his first month, 7-times

more than Biden.

20X QUESTIONS: Answered 20-times more press questions in his

first three Cabinet meetings than Biden did at Cabinet meetings

during his entire four years in office.

11 HEADS OF STATE: Hosted 11 heads of state at the White House

in the first 100 days, compared with 1 for Biden and 5 for Obama.

$1 BILLION: Secured nearly $1 billion in pro bono legal services

for causes such as assisting veterans, combatting antisemitism, and

ensuring fairness in the justice system.

80.7 MILLION VIEWERS: Set an Inauguration viewership record

with 80.7 million viewers.

2,200 OFFERS: Broke modern presidential staffing records, making

over 2,200 offers, all accepted, to exceptionally qualified candidates.

Discover why some of the world’s most outspoken scientists say the climate story you’ve heard is only half the truth—then decide for yourself.

About the Film

Directed by British documentary‑maker Martin Durkin, Climate: The Movie (The Cold Truth) features Nobel laureate Dr. John Clauser alongside renowned physicists Richard Lindzen, Steve Koonin, and William Happer. Together they challenge the idea of an iron‑clad “consensus,” arguing that climate science—and climate policy—deserve a second look.(IMDb)

The documentary has already sparked intense debate online for questioning mainstream narratives, amassing millions of views on YouTube and social media since its March 2024 release.(Science Feedback)

Trailer: Watch a two‑minute sneak peek here.
https://fakta360.no/movies/ClimateTheMovieIntro.mp4

Event Details

Date	Friday, May 2, 2025
Time	Doors open 5:30 PM • Film 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Venue	CCRP HQ9425 Hwy 92, Suite 112Woodstock, GA 30188 (Commons Shopping Center, next to Goodwill)
Admission	FREE for CCRP members • $5 for non‑members (pay at door)
Refreshments	Drinks, pizza, and popcorn available for purchase

Why You Should Attend

1. Hear the “cold truth.” Get informed by scientists who signed the Clintel World Climate Declaration, a coalition asserting “there is no climate emergency.”

2. Ask hard questions. Stick around after the credits to chat with fellow attendees—no echo chambers here.

3. Support local engagement. Every seat filled strengthens our community’s culture of open debate.

4. Pizza + popcorn. Because facts are easier to digest with pepperoni and a fizzy drink.

Call to Action – Reserve Your Seat Now

Space is limited. Pre‑register here → https://ccrp.wildapricot.org/event-6156745
Bring friends, family, and neighbors who care about energy costs, environmental policy, and the future of American prosperity.

“We need to wake up our neighbors. We need to wake up America.”

️ Getting There & Parking Tips

• Enter the Commons Shopping Center via Hwy 92; look for the Goodwill storefront—CCRP HQ is two doors to the right.

• Plenty of free, well‑lit parking immediately in front of the venue.

• Arrive early (5:30 PM) to grab refreshments and the best seats.

Final Thought

Whether you leave convinced, skeptical, or somewhere in between, Climate: The Movie – The Cold Truth promises to sharpen your critical thinking about one of the most consequential debates of our time. See you tonight in Woodstock!

Get ready for chrome-shined classics, eye-popping supercars, and family-friendly fun right here in Cherokee County.

Event Snapshot

What	Annual Auto Show featuring classic cars, late-model exotics, muscle cars, motorcycles, live music, prize drawings, and more
When	Saturday, May 31, 2025 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where	9105 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, GA 30188
Cost	$20 pre-registration (save $5) · $25 drive-up day of event
Why Go	Family fun, community vibe, great food trucks, plus the chance to show off—or simply admire—some spectacular rides

What Makes This Auto Show a “Can’t-Miss” Event

1. Something for Every Gearhead (and Non-Gearhead)

Expect rows of carefully restored classics, head-turning hot rods, souped-up tuners, and even a few jaw-dropping supercars. Whether you love ’57 Chevys, late-model Corvettes, or custom motorcycles, you’ll find plenty to admire.

2. Affordable Entry—Save $5 by Pre-Registering

Skip the line and save a little gas money by locking in $20 pre-registration online. Decide to cruise in last-minute? Drive-up entries are welcome at $25 the day of the show.

3. Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Between the live DJ, food trucks, and high-energy vibe, the show is as much a community festival as it is a car showcase. Bring the kids—there’s plenty of eye candy (and funnel cakes) for everyone.

4. Perfect Saturday Timing

Running 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., the event leaves your Saturday night wide open. Swing by in the morning, grab lunch, snap Insta-worthy pics, and still be home with time to spare.

Registration & Vehicle Check-In

Step	What to Do
1. Reserve Your Spot	Click the event link (or visit the host website) and secure your pre-registration. A confirmation email will detail arrival instructions.
2. Arrive Early	Gates open at 8:30 a.m. for show vehicles. Early birds snag the best display spots.
3. Shine & Show	Quick wipe-down, tire shine, hood up—it’s time to impress judges and spectators alike!

Pro Tip: Bring a small info board with your car’s specs. Spectators love knowing the story behind each ride.

Insider Tips for Spectators

• Parking: Free spectator parking is available in the grass lot adjacent to the show field—follow the signs.

• Cash & Card: Vendors take cards, but small bills make grabbing snacks quicker.

• Sun Protection: Georgia sunshine can be intense; pack sunscreen, hats, and a foldable chair.

• Photo Ops: Golden hour (around 11 a.m. – noon this time of year) is perfect for vibrant car shots.

Getting There

9105 Hickory Flat Hwy is about:

• 12 min from Downtown Woodstock via GA-140 E

• 25 min from Canton via GA-140 W

• 45 min from North Atlanta via I-575 N ➜ GA-140 E

Set your GPS, crank up your favorite road-trip playlist, and you’ll be there before the engine’s warm.

Final Lap

Whether you’re entering your pride-and-joy or just strolling the aisles with coffee in hand, the Woodstock Auto Show promises horsepower, hospitality, and high-octane fun on May 31, 2025. Pre-register today, rev those engines, and we’ll see you at the starting line!