Dougherty County polls open to hold extended voting hours ahead of May 21 primary

Alan Mauldin, The Albany Herald, Ga.
·2 min read

ALBANY – Dougherty County voters will have a couple of extra hours on Thursday to cast ballots during early advance voting, when polls will be open until 7 p.m.

The extended hours ahead of the May 21 general primary and nonpartisan election also will be repeated on May 16, when polls also will be open until 7 p.m. The early voting period ends on May 17.

Early voting is taking place at the Riverfront Resource Center located at 125 Pine Ave. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on all weekdays other than the two Thursdays, when hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Dougherty County Board of Registration and Elections approved the two extended voting days in April to help boost a dismal turnout from the March presidential preference primary in which only 10% of the county’s voters cast ballots.

The Dougherty County Democratic Committee requested the extra time for residents to get to the polls after hours, expressing hope that voters will take advantage of the opportunity. The group had also requested a third Thursday with extended hours and a three-hour period to vote on Sunday.

Individuals who work until 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. will have the opportunity during the two Thursdays to make it to the polls without having to rush, Democratic Committee Chair Joyce Barlow said. They also will have extra time to consider their choices.

“As we process into the primaries, we have important races,” she said. “This gives the people who are working an opportunity to get to the polls.”

Among the local races on the primary ballot are races for Dougherty County sheriff, Dougherty County Commission District 5 and Dougherty County School Board District 5. Three candidates also are vying for Georgia House District 153, the only House district that is situated wholly within Dougherty County.