After big early voting turnout, Augusta prepares for primary election day

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – It was a busy day, installing voting machines at 41 polling sites. However, thousands of voters will not need them, as many have already cast ballots.

“On the day of the election, I don’t want to take a chance of the machine go down, overcrowding, you’ve got to wait in line a long time,” said Ed Bowen.

But others prefer their home polling sites on Election Day.

“There’s no reason to rush. Voting is very important and we have to get out and vote,” said Sam Fisher.
 
More than 18,000 voters already have.

Elections Director Travis Doss says that’s 14 percent of registered voters, and he expects to see another 14 percent on Tuesday.

“Usually, we see about 50 percent of the people will have voted early, so with 14 percent, then we should hopefully get into the 30 percent range when it’s all said and done,” said Doss.

Doss advises voters to go to their Georgia My Voter page to verify their precinct, and get a sample ballot.

Here’s one of sign of the times: At St. Marks Church, its telling voters of a precinct switch. Mann Mize Church and Oasis Church are also out this election.

And the ballot is long, and this long line of campaign signs at Diamond Lakes is an
indication.

“That’s a lot of signs,” said Fisher

“Too many?”

“That’s a lot of signs out,” he said.

For Augusta, there is a mayor’s race, five contested commission races and two sales tax questions – all reasons to turn out.

“That is the person that you’re electing for the next four years to represent you, so for mayor and five commissioners, this is make or break time for them,” said Doss.

The voting machines will be there Tuesday waiting on the voters.