Voter turnouts low for special election - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Voter turnouts low for special election

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THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) -

Ballots cast over the next few days will determine who will fill the District 11 Senate seat. Six candidates are vying for the job vacated by long time GOP Senator John Bulloch.

But so far, early voting numbers have been low. 

Between the holidays and the fiscal cliff, finding State Senator John Bulloch's replacement has been far from many voters' minds.

"Not at all. I haven't heard about it at all."

Bulloch resigned earlier this month because of health issues, opening the door for five Republicans and one Libertarian to battle for his seat.

But with the campaign falling in between the holiday season, voters are not rushing to the polls.

"It's been a little slow compared to a general election. We haven't had quite as many people," said Poll Worker Hannah Phillips.

Young voters Elizabeth Rockwell and Garrett Newsome say they always try to stay informed with the issues, but the last few weeks they've been preoccupied with family.

"Most definitely. I think informed voting is extremely important. I think the fact that there are so many uninformed voters is detrimental to the whole election process."

"It has to start locally. It has to start at the lowest level in order for everybody to bump it up to the biggest level. Everybody has to be on the same page locally before they can even begin thinking about the national level."

While not everyone we spoke with today was familiar with the race, they all said it was important to vote.

"It just gives you a voice. If you don't vote, you don't have a voice at all. Why not take a part of something that is given to you in this country. It doesn't cost you anything, but some time," said Registered Voter Kevin Baker.

"Any election does matter because it is your voice being heard. So I think every election is just as important," said Phillips.

Early voting ends this Friday as January 8th is election day.

District 11 includes Colquitt, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Seminole and portions of Mitchell and Thomas Counties.

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