Many voters around Southwest Georgia got up Saturday morning to go vote.
It's the first state mandated Saturday where folks have been given the opportunity to vote. In Albany, there was a small line at times, but overall, voting officials handled the crowd well.
Many Dougherty County voters got up a little earlier on this Saturday morning to do something they've never gotten to do before, vote on a Saturday.
"The voting days have changed," said Dougherty County Elections Supervisor Ginger Nickerson. "It was 45 days. We have now reduced them to 21. Included in that, they are giving voters a chance to come in and vote on Saturdays."
Voters went to the Candy Room on Pine Avenue just like they would go to their own precinct on voting day. And with an election change comes a change in how candidates campaign.
"So many people work during the week," said Coroner candidate Michael Fowler. "Getting off at 5pm, it is tough to get to the polls. Especially on the 31st, a lot of times the lines are backed up. With Saturday now, it's now lines, you can just walk straight in."
Just mere yards away from the government center, supporters waved and yelled at cars as they passed. It was to get votes, but it also to get people to care.
"It is very important to understand each item on that ballot," Fowler said. "You need to piggyback on what has been put out there. People have put information out there about the T-SPLOST or different candidates."
Elections officials made sure voters were not hounded as they went to polls. All laws about campaigning were upheld.
"It is a 150 feet and that is all we ask," said Nickerson. "Even at the polling place, it is a 150 feet from the edge of the building. We made sure they counted it off. Everybody is within the code. Nobody is breaking a law."
Election officials in Dougherty County say early voting has been very successful this year.
July 21st was the only Saturday that you will be able to vote before July 31st. You can still early vote next week. Contact your local elections office for locations.
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