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With the November election day looming on the horizon next week, early voting will wind down this week. According to Joyce Coddington, the elections supervisor for the Decatur County Board of Elections and Registration, voter registration has increased, from 16,600 in 2020 to 18,890 this year, with 800 newly registered voters in just the past few months. Turnout in early voting and with absentee by mail has been 30% so far.

“2020 had a 70% turnout overall,” Coddington said, “we hope to increase the voter turnout this election.”

For voters unsure of what their precinct is, call the Board of Elections office at 229-243-2087, or visit 122 W Water Street for more information.

There has been one precinct change for this election, that being the Joe Sweet Community Center, located at 601 Potter Street; it will serve as a temporary precinct for those that usually vote at Conger Gym. All other precincts, Coddington says, remain the same this year. All polling locations will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM on election day.

For voters who have received a mail-in ballot, but wish to vote in person instead, Coddington explained they should bring the un-filled ballot to either their precinct on election day, or to the Board of Election’s courthouse office during early voting, and will be asked to fill out an affidavit before being able to vote on site.

Coddington reminded that voters must bring a photo ID, be that a Georgia Driver’s License (she stated it could be expired), a Concealed Carry permit, a passport, or a military ID.

“Voters should also be mindful not to wear any clothing or bring any signs with any candidate’s names or logos within 150 feet of the precinct,” Coddington stated. “Campaigning of any kind is not permitted.”

The last day for early voting is Friday, November 1. The Courthouse Annex will be open from 8 AM to 6 PM.