EDITORIAL: Vote early

Published 8:08 am Monday, October 14, 2024

At the top of the ballot is perhaps the most unprecedented and consequential presidential election in most of our lifetimes. However, the remaining races on the ballot have consequences as well. Early voting for next month’s general election begins Tuesday across Georgia, and our state is expected to play a pivotal deciding role in the outcome of the presidential race, just as it did in 2020. Last-minute changes by the Georgia State Election Board and legal challenges mean greater scrutiny as all eyes will be on our state.

With all these factors considered, we strongly urge you to vote early.

Please research all of the races and referendums on the general election ballot, not just the race that has garnered the most attention. Then, make a plan to vote.

Early voting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the county government complex located at 1601 N. Columbia St. Tuesday, Oct. 15 through Friday, Nov. 1. Early voting will also be held Saturday, Oct. 19 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Remember that photo identification is required and may include a Georgia Driver’s License (even if expired), a state or federal-issued ID, a valid U.S. passport, a valid military photo ID or a valid tribal ID.

To be eligible to vote, citizens must be:

17 1/2 years old to register, 18 years old to vote

Resident of the county

United States citizen

Not be serving a sentence or probation for a felony conviction

Take a few moments to check your voter status by visiting the My Voter Page at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/ . You should also use this page to view a sample ballot beforehand.

Early voting is a convenient way to take part in the democratic process. This period was created to make the election process more accessible for the electorate by not limiting the voting option to just one day.

If you do not wish to vote early remember that that the last day election officials can mail out an absentee ballot is Friday, Oct. 25. The last day to return absentee ballots is before 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Plan, prepare and, if you can, vote early to avoid potential issues or delays.

Voting access is not afforded to everyone and it’s certainly not granted to citizens in every corner of the world. A lot is riding on this year’s races. Why would anyone not want to have a say in the future of our government at such a critical time in our nation’s history?

Every election is important and this one has significant consequences.