ATLANTA — As Georgians continue feeling the effects of higher prices at the pump and the grocery store, some voters say affordability could play a major role in how they cast their ballots this November.
Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to suspend Georgia’s gas tax is expected to lower gas prices by about 33 cents per gallon and diesel prices by roughly 37 cents per gallon through the end of October, just days before Election Day.
For many drivers, they told Channel 2’s Richard Elliot that the relief can’t come soon enough.
“It’s pretty insane,” said Gabriela Trimble of DeKalb County. “You try to budget the best way you can, but the inflation just keeps going up and up and up.”
Others say fuel prices have become one of their biggest financial concerns.
“The gas has been a killer,” said Kemarr James of Gwinnett County. “Just yesterday, I seen the gas went up to about $4.19 a gallon. So it’s definitely going to be hard for a lot of people.”
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The gas tax suspension means drivers should begin seeing lower prices at stations across Georgia, a move supporters say will help families struggling with the rising cost of living.
“Oh, we need that. We need that definitely,” said DeKalb County resident Jody King. “We got to get around, man. Got to take the kids to school. We got to go to the grocery store.”
For some voters, affordability is becoming a deciding issue in November.
“I want someone that will advocate for the people that are trying to live and survive in the world,” Trimble said.
But not everyone says pocketbook issues are driving their vote.
Fulton County voter Michael Shively said politics remains his top concern.
When asked about his biggest issue, Shively responded, “I’m just not a big fan of the guy that got elected. That’s it. That’s my issue.”
Political observers say the economy, inflation and affordability are expected to be among the most influential issues as voters head to the polls.
Election Day is Nov. 3.
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