Early Voting Ends Today

Today is the last day to vote early for Tuesday’s election across Georgia.

That includes Stephens County, where County Registrar Bill Cochran said polls are open today at the Registrar’s Office in downtown Toccoa.

“Just come to the old Courthouse Annex at 12 West Tugalo Street, across from the historic courthouse,” said Cochran. “We will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Bring a photo ID and we will get you through.”

Cochran went on to say that early and absentee voting in Stephens County has been historically busy for this election.

“We have had a record turnout,” said Cochran. “We have already had 7,183 early voters or mailed ballots come in.”

He said that equals 54 percent of the active voters in the county.

“We added 1,600 active voters this year,” said Cochran.

There is no voting on Monday and polls will re-open Tuesday for Election Day at the Stephens County Senior Center on Rose Lane from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Also, any mail-in, paper ballots that have not been turned in must be returned by 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Voters are of course, making their choice in the presidential election, but there are other races on the ballot.

In Stephens County, voters are choosing a State Court Solicitor as Democratic incumbent Willie Woodruff runs against Republican challenger Ann Pickett.

Also, Johnny Isakson is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate against two challengers, Democrat Jim Barksdale and Libertarian Allen Buckley.

In addition, there is a Public Service Commission race and a host of state constitutional amendment questions on the ballot.

Those who do not vote early will cast ballots on November 8 at the Stephens County Senior Center.

For more information on early voting, contact the Stephens County Registrar’s Office at 706-886-8954.

Voters can also find out more information by going to “My Voter Page” at the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office web site, www.sos.ga.gov.