Augusta, GA
‘A lot is at stake’: Local voters weigh in on presidential race
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We are just 18 days away from election day, and Georgia has already seen record-breaking numbers at the polls in early voting.
In Richmond County so far, more than 11,000 voters have shown up at the polls.
In Columbia County so far, more than 12,000 voters have shown up at the polls.
Election officials say the numbers speak for themselves about the urgency voters are having right now with this election.
Voters say it’s now or never for the next four years if they don’t act now.
“There’s a lot at stake, a lot of rights at stake, a lot of what could happen depending on who gets in office,” said Richmond County voter, Amaya Swafford.
A look at Helene’s impact on mail-in voting
Add mail-in voting to the growing list of things Helene has impacted as we’re just 19 days out from election day. A major backlog of mail means there are concerns absentee ballots won’t make it in on time.
Voters like Swafford are making sure their voice is represented.
“It’s nice that so many people care. So that makes me happy, but it also makes me nervous, because the race is so tight,” she said.
The presidential race remains neck and neck with national polls favoring Harris.
But in key battleground states like Georgia, Trump is taking the edge.
Richmond County’s Board of Elections Executive Director Travis Doss says the urgency with voters is being reflected in the turnout.
“Georgia, of course, after 2020, has been now classified as a battleground state, and I think just with the media attention on that, is what’s driving people to make sure that their choice is made, as far as voting for which candidate they want for president,” said Doss.
Election officials say they haven’t seen turnout this high before.
Columbia County Board of Elections Executive Director Nancy Gay said: “The lines have been out the door pretty much the entire time. 24 years that I’ve been here, I don’t know that we’ve voted over 12,000 people in three days.”
Columbia and Richmond counties are already seeing close to 11% voter turnout in three days – an uptick officials hope to stay strong.
Doss said: “We’re hoping it would be great if we would get between 40% to 45% of early votes. So, if we could get something around that, then I could see, you know, well, up into the 70% for a total with election day.”
Your choice is just 18 days away to decide on your vote.
Swafford said: “Now is the time to participate, because whether you like it or not, you will be governed by one of these candidates, so you have to make the choice.”
If you missed the past three days, you have until November 1 to vote early.
To find your polling location in Richmond County, visit https://www.augustaga.gov/2836/Advance-Voting-Location-Information.
To find your polling location in Columbia County, visit https://www.columbiacountyga.gov/318/Board-of-Elections.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Abercrombie’s Career-High 33 Lifts Augusta Past Middle Georgia in PBC Tournament Quarterfinals – Augusta University
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta opened Peach Belt Conference Tournament play with a win Wednesday, outlasting Middle Georgia 74-70 in the PBC quarterfinals atChristenberry Fieldhouse.
The Jaguars (19-9, 13-7 Peach Belt) move on to the next round of four and will travel to top-seeded Columbus State on Saturday, March 7, in Columbus, Ga.
Augusta got rolling early behind Quinasia Abercrombie, who buried a three in the opening minute and continued to set the tone offensively. The Jaguars built momentum on both ends, and Nadiyah Byard provided an instant spark off the bench with a layup late in the first quarter to help Augusta take a 16-13 lead after one.
The second quarter belonged to the Jaguars’ defense. Middle Georgia managed just six points in the period, as Augusta tightened the paint and forced tough possessions. Amari Jackson hit a pair of free throws early in the quarter and later added a layup, while Abercrombie finished the half with a strong push in transition to keep Augusta in control. The Jaguars took a 31-19 lead into halftime after holding Middle Georgia to 1-for-13 shooting in the second quarter.
Middle Georgia responded coming out of the break, but Augusta answered every push. Abercrombie knocked down a fast-break three early in the third, and Jackson followed with a layup to keep the advantage comfortable. Sa’Niah Dorsey connected from deep during the quarter, and Augusta shot 61.5 percent in the third to carry a 54-40 lead into the final 10 minutes.
The final quarter turned into a battle. Middle Georgia found rhythm offensively and closed the gap with repeated second-chance opportunities, eventually cutting it to a one-possession game in the final minute. Augusta stayed poised at the line down the stretch, with Elyse Autrey knocking down key free throws in the closing seconds to preserve the win.
Abercrombie led Augusta with a career-high 33 points, going 13-of-20 from the field and 3-of-6 from three. Jackson added 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Dorsey finished with seven points, while Autrey dished out six assists and went 5-for-6 at the free throw line.
Middle Georgia (17-11, 10-10 Peach Belt) was paced by Mauryah Jones with 20 points and Kristen Foglia with 18. The Knights also received 13 points and 15 rebounds from Kennedi Hawkins.
Wednesday’s game also featured a special atmosphere at Christenberry Fieldhouse, with the Lucy C. Laney High School Marching Band, the Pride of Augusta, providing in-game entertainment.
Augusta advances to face top-seeded Columbus State on Saturday, March 7, in Columbus, Ga.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Boxing Club is facing financial uncertainty after Richmond County’s 2026 budget left no room to fund nonprofit organizations.
The county’s decision removes one of the club’s main financial supporters, leaving the historic organization without a key source of funding.
The Augusta Boxing Club is one of the nation’s longest-running amateur boxing clubs and has served at-risk youth in the Augusta area.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta-Richmond County has selected a new planning and development director nearly a year after the previous director resigned.
Commissioners voted to hire Adleasia J. Cameron, who goes by Lisa, after an executive session Tuesday.
Cameron was one of two finalists for the position, along with Ryan A. Bland.
The position has been vacant since May 30, when Carla Delaney resigned as planning and development director.
“Augusta has been home to me for many years, from my time as a middle and high school student to earning my graduate degree. It has truly been a privilege to work here and contribute to the community’s growth, sustainability, and development,” Delaney wrote in her letter of resignation.
Cameron is expected to start within the next 30 days.
Her salary will be $125,000, with a moving allowance of up to $10,000 reimbursed based on receipts.
Other commission action
Commissioners also received an update that a veterans cemetery will break ground at the end of the year.
A motion passed authorizing the Marshal’s Office to purchase two vehicles at a cost of more than $115,000.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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