Last day for early voting in Ga. runoff elections

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Early voting for Georgia’s senate runoff races is closed. Chatham County Polling locations were busy during the last day for early in-person voting.

According to the Board of Registrars, the turnout is almost as high as the November general election.

“We would normally see this during a regular election season,” said Antwan Lang with the Chatham County Board of Elections. “I’m very proud and honored to see so many individuals are participating in voting.”

Hundreds of people chose to spend their New Year’s Eve by voting early.

“We waited about an hour and 30 minutes, but it was a successful turnout. I’m surprised at the outcome, especially in Savannah,” said voter Michael Elam.

According to numbers from the Chatham County Board of Registrars, as of Wednesday, almost 36,000 people voted early in-person -- compare that to November, where 55,000 people voted early.

According to the Board of Registrar director, the number is impressive considering the polling locations were closed for the holidays.

Lang agreed and said it’s also impressive due to the political fatigue the office is seeing.

“Some people are just out of it right now,” he said. “They just want it to be over with.”

Ceandra Stokes, who voted early with her family, doesn’t have any election fatigue.

“We just wanted to do it before, so we get that feeling of accomplishment,” Stokes said.

Voters we spoke to said they understand the importance of the senate runoffs, and how it will impact what happens in Washington D.C. and the rest of the country.

Even more of a reason, they said, people should now vote absentee or on January 5.

“All of our voices need to be heard,” said Elam.

If you’re voting by absentee, Lang said it is too late to mail your ballot in and have it arrive at the election’s office on time. Lang said it’s best to drop off your absentee ballot at a dropbox by 7 p.m. on January 5.

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