MACON, Ga. — Election workers are already looking ahead to the start of early voting in Georgia's presidential primary next week, and in Bibb County, they're working through some changes, too.
They're changes Bibb Elections Supervisor Tom Gillon hopes will make your voting experience better.
The biggest change is the office itself. They moved into the Macon Mall on the ground floor, directly under the Burlington Coat Factory.
"It'll be nice to have a nice covered place for voters to wait in line," Gillon said.
With a few longtime workers retiring last year, Gillon says they're promoting other experienced staffers. He says they've filled in well.
O"ur techs have been very busy, as have our registrars, as have everybody else around here," Gillon said.
'Busy' is likely the simplest way to put it. With everything going on, 'overwhelmed' might seem like the right term. Gillon says that's not at all how he's feeling.
"I think we'll be ready," he said confidently.
With some changes also come the usual preparations. As usual, they're partnering with the Bibb County Sheriff's Office to make sure everyone stays safe at the polls.
"They as always are going to provide security at our early voting locations, and at each election day polling place. So, I don't anticipate any serious problems. But they're here in case I'm wrong," Gillon said.
Joe Hudson walks at the mall all the time and stops by the office to check his registration. The change-up might change the way he votes.
"I used to have a write-in vote, but since we've got all the convenience here now, it might not be a bad idea to just come here and vote here," Hudson said.
He's hoping the new stuff, like the elections office, will bring more growth to the mall; that is, as long as there's enough space for him to continue his walks.
"I doubt if I could walk with a big crowd like I do now, but still, if I get a chance to do it, I'll probably still do it," he said.
Early voting starts Monday and runs until March 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mail-in ballots are available until March 1.
There are three early voting locations in Bibb County: The elections office, Theron Ussery Park and the Elaine Lucas Senior Center.