Record Early Voting Turnout Continues in Franklin, Hart Counties

It’s only been 48 hours since early voting began in Georgia and already counties across the State are seeing record voter turnout – both in-person and absentee.

In Franklin County, voters are going to the old Carnesville Elementary School to cast in-person ballots and those who received absentee ballots but chose to vote in-person are dropping off their unused paper ballots there.

By Tuesday morning, over 600 people had voted in-person in Franklin County and even more than that had voted absentee.

Franklin County Elections Supervisor Gina Kesler said Tuesday she has never seen such strong voter turnout – even four years ago.

“In-person, 604, by mail 845,” Kesler said Tuesday. “We had 476 people vote in-person Monday. That was amazing. That was alot. I don’t think I’ve ever had that many. It’s been steady. We’re right at 100 today and it’s not even lunchtime.”

Kesler again reminds voters who have received an absentee ballot in the mail but choose to vote in-person to remember to bring the unused absentee ballot with you when you go to vote in person.

In Hart County, Board of Elections Chair Gary Hamilton said the Monday in-person vote total was 500 and the absentee ballots returned by Tuesday afternoon was 1,257 and counting.

And for those who have cast their votes by absentee ballot, you can go on the Secretary of State’s Web site and click on Secure the Vote where you can find out if your absentee ballot has been received.

Just go to securethevote.ga.com/secureabsentee. Then scroll down and click on Secure My Absentee Ballot Now.

The Georgia absentee ballot portal will allow you to quickly request an absentee ballot and receive confirmation that your request is being processed.

Your secure ballot will be verified and fulfilled by your county elections office.

No excuse absentee was established under then Governor Sonny Perdue, and voted in support by the now Speaker of the House David Ralston.