Early Voting Turnout Light So Far in Franklin, Hart Counties
Early voting for the May General Primary is now in its second week and so far, voter turnout in both Hart and Franklin Counties is light.
Voters will be deciding on both local, state, and federal races on May 20th.
In Franklin County, 91 voters have cast early ballots and 42 absentee applications have been mailed out.
Locally in Franklin County, voters are deciding on two County Commission races and two Board of Education races. Franklin County Elections Superintendent Gina Chappalear says so far, early voting is going slowly, but well.
“Everything is working really well, so far. Everyone has their photo ID when they come in, the machines are working great. So everything is going smooth right now,” said Chappalear.
In Hart County, 90 voters have come in to the Hart County Registrar’s office to cast early ballots.
Voters there are also deciding on two county commission seats and two Board of Education seats. However, County Registrar John Stercho reminds voters that this is a Party Primary.
“They really need to be conscious that this is a party primary,” Stercho said. “The Democratic ballot is different from the Republican and Independent ballots. In Hart County for the local races, the candidates are all Republicans.”
Stercho says that resulted in some confusion among some voters regarding party affiliation, especially when it comes to voting in the local elections and that has also has caused problems for Democrats and Independents who want to vote in the local races as well as the State and Federal races.
“We’ve had to work with some individual voters to change them over to the correct party because of their interest in local races,” Stercho said. “I don’t tell them which party to declare, I’m just apprising them of the local races and if they have an interest in that. If anyone has any questions, we encourage them to visit the Secretary of State’s Web site.”
Additionally, Stercho said anyone who has any questions or concerns should contact him at the County Registrar’s office or visit the office in person.
Meantime, a reminder from the Secretary of State’s office that there will be an opportunity for early voting this Saturday from 9a to 4p at your local Elections and Registrations office or County Registrar’s office.