MACON, Ga. — The Georgia Secretary of State's office says the state broke another early voting record Friday, and at Bibb County polls, it certainly looked that way.
At one point, the line wrapped all the way around the elections building, and almost onto Pio Nono Avenue. Even after the polls closed at 5:30, plenty of people were still in line trying to make their voices heard.
"I just wanted to go ahead and get it over with. My polling place on Tuesday, usually I walk in and walk out. But it just frees me up to be able to do other things next week," said Michelle Calhoun.
For many Maconites Friday, that was the case for voting early, even if they had to brave a long line at the elections office.
"I'll have to work so, get it in and get it over with," said Michael Hatfield.
Hatfield and his wife Candee say they didn't want to miss the chance to vote in the runoff.
"It's an important vote for Georgia," Candee Hatfield said.
Calhoun had this to say about the long lines: "A great turnout. Especially with everybody waiting till the last minute, and this the last day of early voting."
Bibb Elections Supervisor Tom Gillon says they had a great turnout all week, but he recognizes the wait was a bit long for some.
"Circumstances dictated we'd have two locations rather than three, but we are working to get the lines taken care of," Gillon said.
He says the third location, the Elaine Lucas Senior Center, had other events planned this week.
"The other issue was that our techs could only prepare so many machines in such a time," Gillon explained.
He says the lines should be shorter Tuesday with all 31 precincts open. To that, the Hatfields say: "Get out and vote! If not today, then Tuesday!"
Some Houston County voters say they saw some long lines this week, but others said they were in and out.
Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, so there's still time to cast your vote. Gillon says you can turn in absentee ballots up until 7 p.m. on election day. He says you must hand your absentee ballot to a staff member. That applies to any county.