A handful of local races and the regional transportation sales tax proposal will be decided in the July 31 election — and residents who aren’t registered by the close of business Monday won’t be able to cast a vote.

Floyd County Elections Supervisor Evon Billups said absentee voting by mail already has begun.

She also noted that there will be additional scrutiny this year on how they’re returned. For example, a husband won’t be allowed to drop off his wife’s ballot along with his own.

“There’s a lot of observation going on to make sure it’s done right,” Billups said. “Unless (the voter) is disabled, nobody can return the ballot for them. They’ll have to mail it or walk it in themselves.”

In-person advance voting starts July 9 and will run through July 27.

In addition to weighing in on the $1.4 billion TSPLOST package, Floyd County voters will pick two county commissioners to take office in August and finish the unexpired terms of Chad Whitefield and Eddie Lumsden.

Rhonda Wallace and Nathan Roberts are seeking the Post 1 seat. Jerry Lee and Larry Maxey are vying for Post 4. All are Republicans.

Also, the new 52nd District state senator will likely be chosen.

Republicans David Doss, Chuck Hufstetler and Hayden Collins are vying for their party’s nomination, but there is no Democratic candidate in the Nov. 6 election. Independents and third-party candidates may qualify between July 30 and Aug. 3.

Republicans also are battling for the County Commission Post 2 nomination. Roger Wade is challenging Garry Fricks. The winner will face Democrat Gary D. Harrell in the fall.

Georgia has open primaries, so voters in July will be able to ask for either a Democrat or Republican ballot.

To register, or for more information, see the Georgia Secretary of State website at www.sos.ga.gov or call the Floyd County elections office at 706-291-5123.