Chatham County Board of Registrars lays out absentee, early voting options

In Chatham County, the local Board of Registrars reports that over 50% of votes are cast prior to Election Day. The board chairman, Colin McRae, gave a press conference on Wednesday to let voters know about their possibilities for early voting. The deadline for voter registration and the start of the distribution of absentee votes to voters fall on Monday, October 7, which is a significant day for the board.

According to McRae, “that is not the case in Georgia, unlike some states where you can register much closer to the election.” “It must be completed 30 days in advance.” The chairman advised voters who had access to the internet to check their registration status at mvp.sos.ga.gov.  To find out their status, voters can also visit the Main Office at 1117 Eisenhower Dr. or give the election board office a call at 912-790-1520.

Voters are required to make their own requests for absentee ballots. Applications for absentee voting may be sent by other parties, but the board does not distribute them. “All voters in Georgia do not receive mail-in absentee ballots,” McRae stated. “In actuality, our office does not even mail out applications for absentee voting.” Applications for absentee voting must be submitted by October 25.

Voters can get an application from voter.chathamcounty.gov, the secretary of state’s office, or their local library. You can fill it out or drop it off as well at the Main Office.

According to McRae, casting an absentee ballot is a fantastic alternative since it gives voters time to consider their options and reduces any stress they may experience on election day. He informed reporters, “I take part in the absentee process because I am aware of its security and safety.” Absentee ballots must be submitted by the board by 7 p.m. on Election Day for them to be counted.

McRae advises mailing your ballot at least one week before to election day if you choose to do so. He advised against mailing it on the Friday before the election and expecting it to arrive in time. In case you are pressed for time, you can deliver the absentee ballot to any of the three drop-off locations in the county, which are the Main Office, Mosquito Control, or Islands Library. They will only be accessible inside during the first several hours of voting.

You can also deliver your absentee ballot to the Main Office by hand. The board anticipates an active early voting process, according to McRae. The county has never had as many early voting locations as they have—seven. This contains Pooler City Hall, the Main Office, Mosquito Control, Savannah Civic Center, and the libraries in Islands, Southwest, and Garden City. Any voter in the county is welcome to visit any site for early voting. As always, voters can also wait until Election Day to cast their ballot. Voting will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  McRae recommended voters visit mvp.sos.ga.gov or voter.chathamcounty.gov for even more information on the election.