The race is on — again.
Early voting began Tuesday for the City of Statesboro Special Election Runoff between candidates Phil Boyum and Jonathan McCollar.
Boyum and McCollar are vying to represent District 1 on the Statesboro City Council, filling a seat vacated after Councilman Tommy Blitch resigned in August.
The two men, together, accounted for nearly two-thirds of votes cast in a four-candidate race during the General Election on Nov. 6, but neither received the 50 percent plus-one votes required to win outright — Boyum accounted for 448 votes (33 percent) and McCollar, 437 votes (33 percent).
Early voting for the election will continue through Nov. 30, Bulloch County Elections Supervisor Pat Lanier Jones said. Ballots can be submitted at the Elections and Registration Office in the Bulloch County Courthouse, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.
Election Day for the runoff is Tuesday, Dec. 4; polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Boyum, 42, is a local radio host and marketing consultant. He has run a campaign with the promise to “Do Right.”
“I hope the public realizes that when I put ‘Do Right' on my signs and say it when speaking to people in neighborhoods, it really is a philosophy I try to live by every day — not just as a potential councilman,” Boyum said. “It is a philosophy that is good for the City of Statesboro and the citizens of District 1. I truly want to do what is best for the people of our community.
“We need fresh ideas and a fresh approach, as the citizens I talk to in the district are tired of hearing, ‘That’s just how things are done in Statesboro.' We need a common-sense councilman who is not a professional politician nor is aligned with the interests of other councilmen,” he said.
McCollar, 38, is the owner of local inflatable/fundraising business Jumping Jays. He has taken to residents a message of “People over Politics.”
“The opportunity to serve the people of District 1 and City of Statesboro is the most appealing thing about running for this seat,” McCollar said “I have decided to run for the District 1 council seat because I am built for this office.
“There is a need for a councilman with my skill set and experience as it relates to public policy, advocacy, economic development and building partnerships,” he said.
Voting on Election Day will be hosted by Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.
Citizens wanting to vote — during early voting and at the polls — will be required to provide valid photo identification. A Georgia driver’s license, identification card issued by a branch, department, agency or entity of the State of Georgia/another state/United States, or a valid passport will be accepted. A military identification card or valid tribal identification card is also OK.
For more information about the election, residents can contact the Bulloch County Board of Elections and Registration by calling (912) 764-6502.

Jeff Harrison may be reached at (912) 489-9454.