MACON, Bibb County — Monday marks the start of early voting in Georgia, which is underway until May 17, ahead of primary day on May 21.
Some voters cast their ballots for the first time in a shopping center, at the newest location of the Macon-Bibb Board of Elections headquarters inside the Macon Mall.
The site was first used as a precinct during the presidential primaries in March.
In Georgia's open primary race, you can choose whichever ballot you want regardless of which party you support.
In Macon-Bibb, you have the option to choose one of the three ballots: a republican, democrat or nonpartisan ballot.
The two-party ballots each have a set of non-binding questions on issues.
"There are more races on the ballot, and more interested in those races," Tom Gillon said.
Gillon is the elections supervisor at the Macon-Bibb Board of Elections office.
He said there are a number of things to vote on, which is a great reason to vote.
"It's more convenient for me to come vote early than to go the regular station, the regular precinct," Emma Harrell said outside the mall after casting her ballot.
Harrel said she scheduled to come down on the first day of early voting at the Macon Mall.
Gillon said the new precinct at the mall comes with some advantages.
"We have a much nicer place," Gillon said. "If we have a line, the people in line will be indoors which will be a huge advantage over our last location."
If you want to vote early in Bibb County, you have three options to choose from:
- The main office in the Macon Mall
- Theron Ussery Recreation Center
- Elaine Lucas Center
Gillon said those spots are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
If you're voting at the Macon Mall, make sure you park around the entrance beside the courthouse annex. You'll walk all the way down the hall past the glass doors when you enter, and the Board of Elections office will be on your right.