Quick DeKalb special election comes with risks and expense

DeKalb County may hold a special election that would fill a vacant county commission seat but run the risk of confusing voters.

The special election to replace ex-Commissioner Stan Watson could be held at the same time as the May 24 primary election at a cost of up to $400,000.

Voters would have to cast two separate ballots at their polling places, using one voting machine for primary election races and another voting machine for the commission special election, according to state law.

The county’s previous attempts to run this kind of election have resulted in lawsuits and redos.

But the alternative would be to leave a commission district covering half of DeKalb vacant until November’s election.

The DeKalb Board of Registrations and Elections will decide Monday when to hold the special election.