First week of early voting sees low turnout
May 6—THOMASVILLE- The general primary election wrapped up the first week of early voting on Saturday with a cumulative total of 1,614 early votes and absentee votes secured.
Elections Supervisor Frank Scoggins said he is surprised by the low turnout with only 5% of registered voters exercising their right thus far.
"It's been busier than the municipal election, but I just thought we would stay full every day," Scoggins said.
Scoggins does believe voting will pick up on Friday afternoon, as most people often get the final Friday confused. Early voting concludes on Friday, May 17.
"It'll get crazy that last week, but I'm gearing up," he said. "I have more machines and more people at all the polling locations."
Scoggins has entertained the idea that some voters may be traditionalists and want to vote on voting day, May 21, but also asserts that many voters, including himself are still making up their mind on who to vote for in this full election.
"Historically, we've always voted 65-70% of the people who voted in the election here (The Board of Elections)," Scoggins said. "That's my passion. I want to get people in here. We have the resources and can get people in and out quickly."
Early voting will continue this week, with an additional Saturday voting at the Board of Elections office. However, this will be the final Saturday for early voting.
"We have what we call a bulk update, where we include who has voted so far. That way come Election Day, you can't vote again," Scoggins explained.
On Election Day, voters must vote at their home precinct. No voting will be allowed at the Elections and Registration Office.
For a list of qualified candidates and locations of voting precincts, visit thomascountyboc.org/elections-and-registration.
