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Advance voting goes slowly in Valdosta

By Jade Bulecza - bio | email

VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) - The first Georgia college precinct opened up this week in time for advance voting. Municipal elections are generally low key elections. And VSU's election officials admit they were disappointed with the turn-out on Monday but as the week continues more voters are coming through.

Turn-out has started out slow this week at VSU's precinct, but each day brings more voters.

"We're a little disappointed that we only had 26 voters on the first day," said Assistant Poll Manager Donovan Head. "However, we've learned that it's just spreading in news because a lot of students are still unaware that we're offering this convenience to voters on campus and in the community."

While the new precinct is opened to all Lowndes County registered voters, VSU is hoping to see more students get involved in the political process by voting in this municipal election.

"Civic engagement is a critical part of the campus experience. We want our students to come out. We want them in the community," said VSU President Dr. Patrick Schloss.

The new precinct had 80 voters come through Tuesday and by the end of Wednesday election officials are hoping that number will be close to 200.

 "I just came out here to make a difference for my generation," said VSU voter Justin Head.

The Lowndes County Board of elections says the polling places combined have had 671 voters since day one of early voting.

Voters have until Friday to cast their ballots during advance voting. They can vote at the Lowndes County Board of Elections office or they can come here to the Valdosta State University's new precinct.

22 candidates remain on the ballot and a referendum.

"We had to have a bill through the legislature to allow us to do it and the bill that we passed would give us two more commissioners," said Lowndes County Chairman Ashley Paulk.

The precinct is also open on election day to the VSU residents. Those who are not VSU residents have to vote provisionally.

Advanced voting runs through Friday at the Lowndes County Board of Elections and the VSU University Center's Executive Dining Room. Election day is next Tuesday.

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