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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 1, Post 2 candidate Shawn Woods. 

Dear Tucker Observer,

It is my honor and immense pleasure to support Shawn Woods as the candidate most qualified to fill the Tucker City Council seat of District 1 Post 2. I write this letter of support not as his wife, but as a citizen of Tucker, a neighbor, and parent of two high school students. It would be easy to dismiss this letter of support because I am his wife, but I urge anyone reading this to consider that my support or endorsement is not automatic.

Being in a leadership position within government at a local, state, or national capacity requires discipline. It requires innovative and creative thinking. It requires focus and drive. Along with all that I’ve named, it also requires – and most importantly so – compassion and empathy. I have had more conversations with Shawn to ensure that he was ready to lead in this way. That he was prepared to take his business acumen and apply that to leadership in this capacity. We don’t always agree on political subjects. I think many would find our dynamic at home quite interesting, as we find ourselves on different ends of political arguments often. But where we do not differ is in our love for Tucker and in our excitement to see this city continue the positive path forward set forth by the current council.

To say that my husband’s beginnings were humble, would be a huge understatement. His success was not predetermined and has been the direct result of many dedicated, purposeful, and intentional hours spent towards it. Shawn is focused on an outcome, but not so dialed into his own opinion that he is not open to hearing the many diverse perspectives on how to achieve that outcome. He understands that part of the system of success in any venture includes incorporating voices other than his own.

What I admire about Shawn is how he applies his system of success to everything that he does. I watch him give advice to anyone seeking it and he never shies away from his business failures. He speaks openly about them and credits those devastating failures for making him who he is today. His passion and authenticity are on open display at all times. The old saying “believe the man that shows you who he is and not who he says he is” applies wholly to my husband. By not wavering on his responses based on who is in the audience and by going on record often and early on tough questions – he has shown you who he is.

My family is better because of Shawn Woods and I am positive that the City of Tucker will be better because of Shawn Woods. I would be most appreciative if you would join me on Nov 2nd, or early if possible, and vote Shawn Woods for District 1 Post 2.

– Joy Woods

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.

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