Houston County Board of Elections sees high turnout for early voting

HOUSTON COUNTY – Early voting saw a higher turnout with a final number of 12,490 early voters, according to the Houston County Board of Elections. 

Election Assistant Andy Holland described it as a good turnout for an odd-numbered election year, due to mayor races and the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

He said it was busy for the Board of Elections, especially during the last week of early voting. 

“The last few days we put up some really good numbers,” he said. 

Holland shared that the three cities — Centerville, Perry, and Warner Robins — had contested elections on the ballot at the same time. Also on the ballot was the E-SPLOST, which brought more people to the polls. 

“[This] probably brought out a few more people than usually would come out for an odd numbered year election,” he said. 

Holland said the voting turnout depends on what’s on the ballot. In past odd-numbered election years, there have been no state or county-level issues on the ballot, only municipal candidates. He shared that most of the time, out of the three municipalities, there is only one contested race on the ballot. 

“Depending on what is on the ballot your turnout can fluctuate wildly from year to year. This was definitely a higher turnout than we’ve seen for an odd numbered year election,” he said. 

Holland shared that initially, the process was slow during the early voting period, but it picked up quickly. Over the last few days, approximately 2,000 people have been going to the polls daily.  

This resulted in a final count of 12,490 early voters. 

Statistics typically show that in Houston County, early voting typically accounts for approximately half of the overall voting turnout, according to Holland. Holland expects a similar turnout on Election Day as in previous years.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Holland said while municipalities are on the ballot this year, it is also a county-level election with the E-SPLOST and a state-level election with the Public Service Commission.  He also reminded voters to bring their government-issued photo identification.

Voters will need to visit their county polling place, and all 17 will be open on Election Day. 

If voters are unsure of their county polling place location, they can call the Houston County Board of Elections at (478) 987-1973 or click here.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.