Congressman David Scott’s Death Disrupts Georgia Primary Election Process
Longtime Democratic Rep. David Scott’s death forces Georgia election officials to post signs at polling places warning votes for the deceased congressman won’t count.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The death of longtime Democratic Congressman David Scott has disrupted next month’s primary election, prompting election officials to implement emergency procedures as early voting begins Monday for the May 19 contest.
Scott, who served as the first and only elected representative of Georgia’s 13th Congressional District since its creation in the early 2000s, had qualified to run for another term last month despite questions about his fitness to serve when he avoided reporters during the qualifying process.
Election Logistics Complicated
Scott’s name will remain on the May 19 primary ballot because it is too late for county election officials to remove it, according to Mike Hassinger, a spokesperson for the secretary of state’s office. Early voting begins Monday and ballots for the primary are already being mailed to absentee and overseas voters.
Instead of removing Scott’s name, counties will post signs at all polling places notifying voters that any votes cast for Scott will not be counted in the official tally. Counties are also responsible for notifying absentee and overseas voters of the change, Hassinger said.
Crowded Democratic Primary Field
Scott had been preparing to defend his metro Atlanta seat against a crowded field of intraparty challengers in the Democratic primary. The congressman’s death has prompted his rivals to temporarily suspend their political activities out of respect.
The 13th Congressional District encompasses portions of metro Atlanta and has been represented exclusively by Scott since redistricting created the seat in the early 2000s.
Special Election Required
Scott’s death also triggers a special election to fill the remainder of his term, which ends on January 3, 2027. However, it remains unclear when the special election will take place, as state officials work through the procedural requirements.
The timing complications created by Scott’s death highlight the challenges election officials face when candidate deaths occur close to primary elections. With absentee ballots already in circulation and early voting set to begin, the secretary of state’s office has opted for notification procedures rather than attempting to reprint ballots.
Election officials are working to ensure voters understand that while Scott’s name appears on ballots, votes for the deceased congressman will not factor into the official results of the Democratic primary race.
