There's No Excuse

there's no excuse

This week, I’ve been telling my friends, family, and staff all the same thing: there is no excuse for legally registered voters to not cast their ballot in the 2024 presidential election.

I remember the very first time I got to exercise my right to vote for President of the United States. It was 1976, Jimmy Carter vs. Gerald Ford, and I was so excited to participate in the democratic process. That first Tuesday in November, I proudly marched to the polls, and the shine has not worn off on me since. The opportunity to vote is a privilege every single time, one that should never be taken for granted.

To quote President Ronald Reagan, “you and I have a rendezvous with destiny,” and it’s at your local precinct, which you can locate here, on Tuesday, November 5^th.

If you missed the deadline to register to vote, use Election Day to get registered for the next election. You can fill out the forms online here.

For the parents and grandparents reading this, I encourage you to bring your children and grandchildren to the polls. They may be too young to vote, but it’s important that we educate the next generation on the process and importance of voting. Leading by example is the best way to instill the values of democracy in our youth.

Georgia has already smashed early voting records, a testament to the amazing work our state legislature has done to increase voter participation and confidence in the outcomes of elections. We, too, are leading the nation by example.

Our right to vote, to have our government reflect the voice of We, the People, is sacred. I’ve made it one of my missions in Congress to ensure that this right is protected for generations to come. We owe it to our troops, forefathers, and citizens of every nation who are fighting for free and fair elections to protect, defend, and exercise our God-given rights.

As your representative, I will continue to support policies that make voting easier and cheating harder, just like we’ve done in the state of Georgia, both at home and abroad.

buddy's briefing

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we are discussing the haunting effects of inflation on Halloween.

From our nation's capitol cdlxxxii

Monday, October 29, 2024: Two of my favorite festivals were held this past weekend in our District. On Saturday, I was on Jekyll Island in Glynn County for the annual Shrimp and Grits Festival and, later in the afternoon, I travelled to Richmond Hill in Bryan County for the annual Great Ogeechee Music & Seafood Festival. Both of these wonderful events were well attended with great vendors, food, arts & crafts, live music, and amusement rides accentuated by great weather. Whether it be local performers like Backbeat Boulevard or famous artists such as the Marshall Tucker Band and Clint Black, the music was outstanding. And the food? Nothing like it in the world! On Sunday evening, I traveled to the Sapelo Island ferry dock in Darien in McIntosh County where I participated in a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the seven people who tragically lost their lives on October 19 on Sapelo Island. Sponsored by the McIntosh Chamber of Commerce, this solemn event was an opportunity for the community to come together and show our love and support for the families and friends of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Heartfelt songs, remembrances and prayers were shared by those in attendance as a community scarred by tragedy hopefully found some comfort in the company of each other.

Rep. Carter at the Great Ogeechee Seafood and Music Festival

I’m back on Jekyll Island this morning as I attend the ribbon cutting of the new Public Safety Complex on the island. This welcome addition to this coastal gem of an island will include the Jekyll Island Fire/EMS, Georgia State Patrol Post 35 and an emergency operations center (EOC) to complement the main EOC in Glynn County during emergencies. Afterwards, I head to Frederica Academy on St. Simons Island in Glynn County where I have the opportunity to participate in one of the most enjoyable parts of this position - speaking to students. This group of government studies and AP students reminds me of why I am so optimistic about our country’s future as they are truly smart and talented with bright futures. Next, I head to a meeting with representatives from the Georgia Farm Bureau as we discuss the devastation that our state’s number one industry, agriculture, has experienced during this summer of natural disasters. Another of the great opportunities I have in this position is to attend citizen naturalization ceremonies held in our district. Today, at the invitation of Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, I have the honor of addressing 32 new American citizens from 16 different countries who are becoming American citizens. The ceremony is held at the Federal Courthouse in downtown Brunswick and the keynote address is given by Roya Naghepour, daughter of Jaleh Hosseinzadeh and Soheil Saffaipoor, both first generation immigrants. Roya is a successful lawyer now who served as a law clerk for Judge Wood. Afterwards, I head to our Brunswick district office where I meet with the new CEO of the Coastal Georgia United Way, Ang DeBoskey, before filming this week’s editions of Buddy’s Briefing and Material Minute.

Rep. Carter attends the Jekyll Island Public Safety Complex Grand Opening

Tuesday, October 29, 2028: During my drive to Rincon in Effingham County this morning, I join in on our all staff conference call. Once in Rincon, I have the opportunity to visit the most impressive Sewon America plant that is a major supplier to Hyundai motors in Bryan County. Known for their high-quality products, Sewon America uses cutting edge automated manufacturing processes utilizing robotics and computers that are state-of-the-art. With a dedicated staff and leadership, their commitment to detail and excellence is unsurpassed in the automobile business. Afterwards, I swing by Rincon City Hall to visit with my good friend Robbie Byrd, who has recently assumed the position of City Manager for this rapidly growing city before heading to Lost Plantation where I meet with incoming Effingham County Commission Chairman Damon Rahn. I grew up with Damon’s parents in Port Wentworth in West Chatham County and I know they are very proud of him. Next, I head to Hutchinson Island in Savannah where I visit Moran Towing and have the opportunity to have a tour of the Savannah Harbor on one of their five tugboats that service this location. Tugboats are an important part of the shipping process in our country’s harbors and Savannah operations manager Joe Myatt and his great staff are vital to the Savannah ports operations. My final stop of the day is in Pembroke in Bryan County at the farm of Megan & John Mowry as I have the honor of addressing the Bryan County Republican Club.

Rep. Carter with Moran Towing

Wednesday, October 30, 2024: During my drive to the Colonel’s Island Auto Terminal at the Brunswick Ports in Glynn County, I join in on our all staff conference call. Once at the Port, I am honored to speak at the Federal Railroad Administration announcement of a $26.5 million grant for the construction of a new rail yard at one of the country’s largest and fastest growing roll on-roll off (Ro/Ro) ports in the nation. The Georgia ports are truly the economic engine of the southeast U.S. Next, I head to Blackshear in Pierce County and, during the drive, I have a virtual call with Julie Kim, the President of Takeda Pharmaceuticals to discuss legislation I am sponsoring. Once in Blackshear, I head to Mossy Pond Lodge for Peanuts, Pines & Politics, an annual event that attracts state and local officials from across the region, including Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns who addresses the large crowd. Afterwards, I record a virtual interview with A Starting Point as I debate my friend and House Colleague, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CN), on the subject of ranked voting. Next, while still at Mossy Pond, I meet with former Rep. Lindsey Thomas (D-GA), Speaker Burns (R-Newington), Rep. Steven Meeks (R-Screven), former Rep. Chad Nimmer (R- Blackshear) and area timber farmers to discuss our needs and strategies for help from the federal government. Afterwards, I head to our Brunswick district office where I record a video celebrating Diwali.

Rep. Carter at the Federal Railroad Administration Announcement

Thursday, October 31, 2024: I’m in the Brunswick district office this morning and begin the day with an interview with Varney & Company on Fox Business to discuss how we can cut $2 trillion out of the federal budget and how voting is progressing in Georgia. Next, I head to the Glynn County Public Safety Complex where I meet up with Officer Cierra Narvaez with the Glynn County Police Department for a ride along on her assigned beat. Although we have a somewhat uneventful day today, the work that our police do, day in and day out, to protect our citizens is never taken for granted. Officer Narvaez is a great example of the fine officers we have in Glynn County and throughout the nation. Next, I head to the Southeast Georgia Health System Brunswick campus for a meeting with CEO Scott Raynes and Vice President Christy Jordan as they give me an update on the great work being done here and in Camden County. My final stop of a very busy week is at Jered Manufacturing located at the foot of the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick. Jered is a subsidiary of PAR systems and is a worldwide leader in the design & manufacture of marine systems integration for defense industries. My visit today is part of our “Take Buddy to Work” campaign as I practice my welding skills under the capable leadership of Sully.

Rep. Carter with the Glynn County Police Department