Start of Early Voting a Historic Day for Peachtree Corners

Monday marked the first day of the first municipal election held by the City of Peachtree Corners, a historic event for the young city that has experienced a number of “firsts” in its two years in existence. And two residents became part of that history by being the first to cast their votes during Early Voting.

Carlos Menezes and Alonso Prado-Masias were waiting at the voting precinct door when it opened at 9 a.m. for Early Voting and were taken aback to learn they had made history in the city’s inaugural election.

“I’m so excited,” said Menezes, who was the first to slide his yellow card into the voting machine to make his selection for the one item on the ballot, a referendum to decide whether the city should allow the package sale of distilled spirits in Peachtree Corners.

“I expected a line, I was surprised to be the first. I’m in the history books now,” he said. Prado-Masias nodded in agreement, adding “It’s great to be a part of it.”

Early voting kicked off on Monday and continues until Oct. 31. The polls are open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at City Hall for municipal elections. “All city elections will take place at Peachtree Corners City Hall, 147 Technology Parkway,” said Kym Chereck the city’s Elections Superintendent. “Voters will still cast their votes for county, state and federal elections at their usual precincts.”

Mayor Mike Mason also took advantage of Early Voting stopping by in the early afternoon to cast his vote.

“This is a historical moment for the City,” said Mason. “I am very proud of the staff and especially for Kym Chereck, the City Clerk and Elections Superintendent. Preparing for the city’s first election was no small undertaking as it took almost a year of preparation and training to make it happen. I encourage Peachtree Corners citizens to exercise their right to vote and take time to come out during Early Voting, to vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 4,” said Mason.

By the time polls closed on the first day of voting, 48 citizens had cast their votes.

Photo: City Clerk Kym Chereck greets Alonso Prado-Masias and Carlos Menezes who were the first to arrive at the precinct to cast their votes for the city’s first municipal election.

Note: This was the first time the city has held its own election. Last fall Gwinnett County (as part of an Intergovernmental Agreement) held elections for three council seats that were up for re-election, but this was the first time the city has held an election on its own.