This story was updated on Sunday, June 1 at 11:36 a.m.
A Fulton County judge signed an order on Friday keeping Democratic Public Service Commission District 3 candidate Daniel Blackman on the ballot pending a hearing.
This comes after Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger disqualified the candidate from this year’s election on Thursday. Blackman appealed, leading to the Fulton judge’s ruling the following day.
The commission oversees utilities, including some gas and electric companies in Georgia. Its biggest job is overseeing Georgia Power’s plans and rates.
Raffensperger’s original decision follows a state judge ruling that Blackman was not qualified to run, as he did not live in District 3 by Nov. 4. Candidates need to have resided in the district for at least 12 months before the election date.
District 3 includes Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton counties.
Democrats Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones and Keisha Sean Waites are also included on the ballot for the June 17 primary. The eventual winner will face Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in November.
There are also primaries for District 2. Republican incumbent Tim Echols is being challenged by Lee Muns. Alicia Johnson is running unchallenged in her Democratic primary and will face the winner.
The elections for the PSC commissioners had been delayed for years as the election format was being challenged in court. Commissioners have to live in one of five districts, but are elected on a statewide basis.
All five current commissioners are Republicans.
Early voting runs through June 13. Primary day is June 17. Generally, your advance voting location is not the same as your Election Day polling location.
