Early voters in sheriff's runoff react to downtown Augusta shooting

AUGUSTA (WJBF) – This is the marquee race for many early voters; Richmond County Sheriff's runoff.

“There are a lot of different things that are going to impact this race, and I think we need to make sure we identify the right person for this position,” said voter Alvin Jenkins.

But how will what the GBI calls a downtown shooting impact the race.

Incumbent Sheriff Richard Roundtree and his challenger Gino Brantley both commented on the incident, just hours before early voters began voting.

“Right now people are looking for a lot of different information, they're looking for results before this race goes to a runoff and we have an incident like this, it's going to affect it without a doubt,” he said. said Butch Gallop.

“I'm thinking about it but I had already made up my mind, but it may involve a lot of people's thoughts,” said voter Julia Smith.

“I think it’s possible for some, but it’s not the case for me. I was already deciding who I would vote for before the second round,” said Lanod Broadnax.

“We want change, we want change, it's not just about the last shooting, it's about many shootings,” Denise Jenkins said.

Early voting will run through Friday and the runoff will take place next Tuesday, where voters will have the final say.