There were record breaking numbers in this year’s early voter turnout in Chatham County.
Officials say non-presidential elections are usually low in numbers, but that wasn’t the case for 2022.
For comparison sake, back in 2018 for the May primary, there were fifty-seven hundred early votes cast. So, we’re going to be nearly tripled in what we say back in 2018,” said Colin McRae, Chatham County Board of Registrars Chairman.
McRae says one of the reasons behind the increase is what happened two years ago when all eyes were on Georgia.
Voters turning the state blue, it could’ve sparked a peak of interest for more residents to get out and vote.
“The attention that came out of the 2020 presidential election and then the 2021 senatorial election here in Georgia, has really made people aware of how important their voice is through casting their ballots,” said McRae.
Additionally, local races that directly impact Chatham County residents could be another reason why more ballots are being turned in.
“In years past we saw a lower turnout during the May primary, non-partisan elections, probably because really people overlooked those elections but really, they are critical. There are so many local races that have a bearing on people’s lives that in years past, voters have over looked. You have school board, that’s all going to be decided by this May election.”
With the increased early voter turnout, those making their way to the polls next week might not have to experience the usual long lines and wait times, that comes with voting.
“I think there will continue to be increased turnout on election day. Higher than what we saw in 2018, but I think with so many votes being cast early and by absentee, that the wait times in those lines should be much shorter,” said McRae.
McRae adds that absentee ballot turnout was also up compared to 2018.
He adds that they’re expecting to see about 2,500 absentee ballots cast in this election.
Officials want to remind those who are voting by absentee that the ballot must be received no later than May 24th.
“For those who have received an absentee ballot and have not returned it yet, at this point, I advise you to bring it in person, as opposed to relying on the mail system. We’re only four days until the election day and our office has to receive the ballot by close of business on election day. If it comes in a day after, it doesn’t matter when it was post marked. If it comes after that seven p.m. cutoff time on election day it won’t be counted.
Absentee ballots can be dropped off at the County Board of Registrars main office, located at 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite E.
McRae also says that residents might receive precinct cards in the mail with the wrong address and/or personal information.
He adds that this does not affect you from voting in the May 24th election. You do not need your precinct card when voting.