We accept letters to the editor. Letters to the editor are opinions of the authors of the letter, not Tucker Observer. Everyone has an equal opportunity to submit a letter to the editor. So if you read something here and don’t like it, don’t jump on our case. Write a letter of your own. All letters must be signed. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and content. To send your letter to the editor, email it to [email protected].

The Tucker Observer invited all candidates running in the Nov. 2 municipal election to submit up to three letters on their behalf. One of the letters could be written by the candidate. Here are the letters in support of Tucker City Council District 2, Post 1 candidate Imani Barnes. 

Dear Tucker Observer,

I am Imani Barnes, a Public Health professional, youth development coach and parent advocate. I want to serve as our District 2 Post 1 City Council member because I recognize the need for inclusion on the council that reflects the interests of Tucker’s families, businesses, and underserved populations. We deserve leadership that can relate to the needs of our growing community and will articulate those concerns to obtain quantifiable results. Nearly 50% of Tucker’s population is composed of persons of ethnic origin, yet the city has yet to support heritage celebrations on behalf of its citizens. Considering that 18% of those that call Tucker home are under the age of 18, it is unfortunate that there are few outlets to engage this demographic outside of athletic activities. Though 63% of residents own their homes, the remaining 47% are burdened with the inflated cost of living associated with lack of affordable housing. As a woman of color and member of the LGBTQ community, I empathize with your concerns and understand that the success of Tucker’s future depends on inclusion of the unique heritage of our residents.

Over the past 3 years, city officials across DeKalb have stood up for their residents by enacting nondiscrimination ordinances locally, in lieu of a statewide statute. This ordinance would prohibit discrimination based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including gender identity and sexual orientation. It’s time that Tucker joins arms with our neighbors and enact protections prohibiting private institutions from discriminating against our neighbors, particularly those that identify with the LGBTQ community. Without progressive policies that protect our interests, we are in jeopardy of inhibiting Tucker’s economic potential.

My track record of identifying issues and partnering with experts to implement long-term solutions is necessary for inclusion and growth in our district. Throughout my career as a scientist, I studied the effects of economics on health and sustainability, as well as nurtured partnerships to facilitate youth development. In my industry, I am known for resolving issues without bias using data generated by implementing the scientific method form of analysis. District 2 needs a City Councilwoman that can relate to your concerns, articulate your needs, and use science to address your interests.

With your vote, I will continue to serve our community by drafting policies that support inclusion, fair and affordable housing, and safe spaces for LGBTQ youth. I would be honored if you would vote for inclusion by joining arms with Imani Barnes in the race for District 2 Post 1 City Council on November 2nd. Thank you for trusting me with your vote.

– Imani Barnes

More information about voting in the Nov. 2 election: 

Editor’s note: Decaturish and the Tucker Observer have published an Elections Guide, a 76-page e-edition featuring Q&As with nearly every candidate running in our communities. To see it, click here. This special e-edition features candidates running for public office in Decatur, Avondale Estates, Atlanta City Council District 5, Clarkston Tucker and Stone Mountain.  There is a PDF version of this, which you can see by clicking here, but due to the format of this e-edition, we strongly encourage you to use the e-reader version.

All elections coverage can be found at Decaturishvotes.com and Tuckerobservervotes.com.  

Election Day is Nov. 2. Early voting will begin on Oct. 12 and will end on Oct. 29. The voter registration deadline is Oct. 4. To register to vote, click here.

To see a list of important dates in the 2021 election year, click here.

Voters in DeKalb County are eligible to apply for an absentee ballot as of Aug. 16. 

To apply for an absentee ballot:

— Visit the Georgia Secretary of State website.

—  Complete the absentee ballot application using the state’s official paper form. Use black or blue ink only.

Applications can be mailed to the county elections office at this address: DeKalb County Election office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032-1239.

Applications can also be submitted by fax, 404-298-4038, or email, [email protected].

Voters may send an absentee ballot request for multiple people who live in the same household in the same envelope or email.

If an absentee ballot is not mailed to you, call DeKalb Elections office, 404-298-4020. You may still vote in person, either early or on Election Day.

An absentee ballot application must be received by Oct. 22.

In accordance with SB202, a new voting bill signed by Gov. Brian Kemp in March, a copy of a voter’s ID is required to apply for an absentee ballot. A Georgia driver’s license, Georgia state ID, Georgia voter card, U.S. Passport, U.S. military ID, employee ID issued by any branch of the federal or state government, tribal ID, or a document verifying a voter’s name and address – including a paycheck, utility bill, or bank statement – are accepted forms of ID.

Early voting begins Oct. 12 and ends Oct. 29. The hours for early voting are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will also be weekend early voting on Oct. 16, 17, 23 and 24. Call your elections office for hours.

Beginning Oct. 12, you can participate in early voting at the following locations: 

– Bessie Branham Recreation Center (2051 Delano Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30317)

– Lynwood Recreation Center (3360 Osborne Road NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319)

– Berean Christian Church – Family Life Center (2197 Young Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30088)

– DeKalb Voter Registration & Elections Office (4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, GA 30032)

– Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library (5234 LaVista Road, Tucker, GA 30084)

– Stonecrest Library (3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest, GA 30038)

– County Line-Ellenwood Library (4331 River Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294)

– Dunwoody Library (5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road., Dunwoody, GA 30338)

For the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding early voting times and locations, visit Decaturishvotes.com and Tuckerobservervotes.com or call 404-298-4020.  

The Tucker Observer is a new community news website owned by Decaturish.com. We provide locally sourced news about Tucker, Clarkston and Stone Mountain.

For more Tucker news, follow us on Facebook by clicking here. Follow us on Twitter by clicking here. 

Want the latest news from the Tucker Observer delivered to your inbox every morning? Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter. 

To become a paying supporter of Tucker Observer, click here.