EDITORIAL: Plan and prepare to cast your ballot

Published 6:00 pm Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Early voting is in full swing already, with highs in voter turnout in several locations, including Baldwin County. If you plan on voting, now is the time to prepare. Local voters need to formulate a plan for how they will cast their ballot this election cycle. Decide now how you will vote — in-person on Election Day or during advance voting, or by mail. If you plan on voting early, go ahead and determine which day you plan on doing so. Remember, local advance voting is underway at the new county annex building on North Columbia Street each weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t forget about the Saturday option, slated for Oct. 24. 

Also, voting early allows polling officials and voters to address any issues that may arise when you go to vote — not having proper identification, wrong address information, etc. This way, if there are issues, they can be corrected unlike on Election Day when it may be more difficult to handle these kinds of issues that may keep you from voting or make the process take longer. 

If you plan on voting on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, remember that polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Either way, wear a mask — although not required — and social distance. Make sure you have one of the required forms of valid identification. If you plan on voting on Election Day, go ahead and confirm your polling location. If you’re unsure where to go vote, visit https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do or download the My Vote Guide or GA SOS app on your Android or iPhone to find details on your polling precinct and check your voter status. You can also use these apps to view sample ballots and brush up on all the candidates and amendments to be decided. 

If voting by mail, go ahead and complete your ballot and get it mailed in. You can also utilize one of the local drop-off locations, either at the courthouse downtown or at the new county annex building. If you applied for and received an absentee ballot but later decided to vote in-person, take your absentee ballot with you so that polling officials can cancel it out.

Lastly, encourage your family and friends to go ahead and get it done as well. Be an active voter and set a sound example for others in your circle. 

We encourage all registered voters to cast a ballot whether you vote early, vote on Election Day, vote in person, or vote by mail.

Take steps now to plan and prepare for this election. However you cast your ballot — let your voice be heard.