HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Houston County Board of Elections says voter turnout during this year's May primary was lower than expected but they were prepared for to see more people at the polls for the November election.
"It's very busy; heavy turnout, especially for the first day. I think the holiday on Monday contributed to it, it's heavier than we've seen," Houston County elections assistant Andy Holland said. "Sending out every bit of equipment that we have, opening up all of our early voting locations and a big part of adding that fourth one was in preparation for this specific election."
He says absentee voting was the popular option among most Houston voters in 2020, so they're glad they're able to accommodate more in-person voting, adding he credits their smooth check-in process for creating a great voter experience.
Now, poll workers are equipped with touchscreens allowing voters to avoid filling out paperwork; Holland said this cuts down wait times.
"It's really streamlined the check in process, especially as far as the voter sees and their experience when they come in to vote," Holland said.
W.C. Hester and his wife live in Warner Robins; he said they can attest to Hollands comments.
"Normally we vote absentee, today was early voting and it was very easy," Hester said.
Hester says he enjoys seeing fellow voters pack out the polls and echoed Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's wish to keep the states turnout rate high.
"Everybody needs to vote, one vote could turn the tide so keep that in mind," Hester said.
Holland says if someone is not able to vote in-person, they can rely on absentee but make sure to plan ahead. He also said, voting is not only a convenience for voters but for election workers as well.
"First day is gonna be the first day, it's gonna be busy," Holland said. "But when you look at it as a whole, we're spreading out over half the voters are gonna come over three weeks, multiple different locations and it's just a lot easier for us to manage."
If you plan on early voting in Warner Robins, they have four polling locations available.