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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