Augusta, GA

Election changes you should know about in Richmond County

Published

2 years ago

April 26, 2022

Election changes you should know about in Richmond County

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s starting to seem like election season in Richmond County. Election employees are laborious at work testing out the county voting machines.

We’re lower than one month away from Georgia’s main elections. There’s a good chunk of native, state, and federal races up for grabs this Might. It’s additionally the primary large election since Georgia’s current voting legislation went into impact.

There was an absentee dropbox housed exterior the municipal constructing, however below the brand new legislation, you’ll solely be capable of discover that field inside from 8:30 a.m. till 5 p.m.

It’s one of many causes elections officers urge you to determine which methodology you’ll use going to solid your vote.

The indicators are lining the highway, the ballots are on the best way, and the machines are warming up.

“Now we have to check all 500 machines that will likely be despatched out when it’s election day or superior,” mentioned Travis Doss, Richmond County Elections, director.

Whereas employees on the Annex energy on the machines, the workplace is sending absentee ballots. They’ve greater than 600 requests, but it surely’s not as in style as final yr.

“Many individuals, due to 2020 and 2021, when purposes had been mailed to them, they aren’t as conscious, or they don’t keep in mind that they need to request one,” he mentioned.

Not solely do it’s important to request it, however you additionally need to print and ship it again to the elections workplace. Both by fax, mail, or electronic mail. You’ll want a replica of your ID, too.

“The legislation modified. Relatively than verifying signatures, we’re verifying ID,” mentioned Doss.

When you get the appliance, Richmond County not has 5 drop containers. They’ve one. It’ll be contained in the Beazley Group Room.

They anticipate a little bit greater than 50 p.c voter turnout for this election. Superior voting begins Might 2, and the large day is Might 24.

The final day to use for an absentee poll, and the final day they’ll be despatched out is Might 13.

“Resolve now. How do you wish to vote? Don’t look forward to the final minute as a result of there’s nothing worse than waking up on the twenty fifth and saying, ‘ah I forgot to vote’,” mentioned Doss.

voters should apply by submitting an absentee poll request kind at www.augustaga.gov/vote. Purposes might be mailed to 535 Telfair St., Suite 500, Augusta, GA 30901; faxed to 706-821-2814; or emailed to richmondelections@augustaga.gov.

Voters may also apply for a poll by visiting the net absentee portal at securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov/s/. Voters who solid an absentee poll by mail shouldn’t have to supply a purpose.

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Augusta, GA

1 dead in motorcycle crash on Riverwatch Parkway

Published

15 mins ago

June 22, 2024

Press Room

1 dead in motorcycle crash on Riverwatch Parkway

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a motorcycle crash on Riverwatch Parkway, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials say the crash happened on Friday night at 9:50 p.m. near mile marker 3.5.

Upon arrivals, deputies say they found male subject laying near the concrete barriers.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office arrived on scene and pronounced the male deceased, officials say.

The coroner’s office has not released the name of the victim yet.

We are working to learn more.

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Augusta, GA

Pride organizers work to keep public safe during weekend activities

Published

7 hours ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

Pride organizers work to keep public safe during weekend activities

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – June is Pride Month, and Augusta’s celebrations are some of the largest in the Peach State.

Last year, a record 16,000 people came to Pride to celebrate.

We were live in downtown Augusta where Beats on Broad held its hours-long music party at the Augusta Common.

With so many people expected to turn out this weekend, public safety is top of mind.

It’s a time to recognize everyone in the CSRA.

“We’ve grown and grown every year. And we’re hoping that we have at least 15 to 16,000 people show up in the next two days,” said Augusta Pride Secretary James Mintz.

It’s a weekend Mintz says you can come as you are with no fear.

He says organizers took great lengths to try and make that a reality.

“We utilize Richmond County Sheriff’s Department to do our security. And we’re very happy with the announcement that there are more patrols in downtown Augusta to just try and give people more a sense of safety and crime is down in general nationwide. So, there’s no reason why you can’t come out to the Augusta common tonight and tomorrow and celebrate,” he said.

Public Safety Officer Doug Ruben was named officer of the year.

It’s an atmosphere vendors say they are willing to take the extra effort to maintain.

“We’ll keep an eye out for everybody’s boots. Like our young lady over here. She had to walk away. We’re gonna watch out for everybody to make sure there’s no crime going on. And if so, we know who to report it to,” said vendor Kirby Eckleberry.

Organizers say it’s a bright weekend of festivities to look forward to.

“A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, drink plenty of fluids. Several booths will be offering free water and just come check out each booth that’s available here because we think that there’s some good resources here,” said Mintz.

The festivities don’t stop after Friday night, the parade and festival will be happening tomorrow on Saturday.

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Augusta, GA

City of Grovetown hosts annual fan drive as temperatures rise

Published

15 hours ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

City of Grovetown hosts annual fan drive as temperatures rise

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Grovetown is trying to help people deal with rising temps with its annual fan drive.

You can drop off your new or lightly used fans at the city hall.

Jordan Johnson, the public information officer for the city, says they need help from the community to make this possible.

“Giving folks the opportunity who may not be able to beat the heat a chance to come in and get a free fan here thanks to the donations of our citizens,” said Johnson.

If you need a fan, you can go to city hall and pick one up.

You can find the fan drive at the help and information desk inside the city hall.

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