NOTICE OF SALES AND USE TAX ELECTION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF RICHMOND COUNTY   YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 19th day of May, 2026, an election will be held in all of the precincts of Richmond County. At the election there will be submitted to the qualified voters of Richmond County for their determination the question of whether or not a special one half percent (0.5%) sales and use tax be imposed for five (5) years within the special district of Richmond County with the proceeds used exclusively to reduce property taxes imposed by Augusta, Georgia.   Voters desiring to vote for the imposition of such sales and use tax shall do so by voting “YES” and voters desiring to vote against the imposition of such sales and use tax shall do so by voting “NO,” as to the question propounded, to-wit:   “Shall a special one half percent (0.5%) sales and use tax be imposed for five (5) years within the special district of Richmond County with the proceeds used exclusively to reduce property taxes imposed by Augusta, Georgia.”   The several places for holding the election shall be in the regular and established precincts of Richmond County, and the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the date fixed for the election. Those qualified to vote at the election shall be determined in all respects in accordance and in conformity with the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and of the State of Georgia.   The last day to register to vote in this special election is Monday, April 20, 2026.   This notice is given pursuant to joint action of the Augusta-Richmond County Commission and the Superintendent of Elections of Richmond County.   AUGUSTA, GEORGIA   By: /s/ Garnett Johnson Mayor   RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS   By: /s/ Lynn Bailey Chair