ABOUT THIS ELECTION
Uphold democracy in Athens
Melissa Link served two terms as Athens-Clarke County District 3 Commissioner from 2015 through 2022; she was re-elected to her second term in 2018 with 71% of the vote. That district was erased off the map in 2022 when Republican state legislators enacted a radically redistricted map of Athens—67% of all Athens voters were drawn into different districts, tens of thousands of Athens citizens were disenfranchised for an entire voting cycle, and Melissa and two other progressive Democratic commissioners were gerrymandered into new even-numbered districts, removing their rights to stand for reelection and effectively enacting a petit coup upon 30% of Athens’ local governing body.
THE NEW DISTRICT 2 INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING NEIGHBORHOODS:
Boulevard - Broadacres - Brooklyn - Cleveland Ave - College Ave - Columbia Brookside - western Cobbham - inner East Athens - Normaltown - Pulaski Heights - Rocksprings - West Hancock
Melissa resoundingly won a March 2023 special election to become Commissioner for the new District 2, restoring democracy in Athens and reinstating experienced, pragmatic, proactive, and effective progressive leadership to the Athens-Clarke County Commission. The May 21, 2024 District 2 election is an opportunity to reinstate her for a full 4-year term. Visit the Athens-Clarke County Elections Office web page to determine if you live in the new District 2 & are eligible to vote for Melissa. Early voting begins May 2.