Early Voting Ends in Georgia

Augusta & Evans, GA—Here’s a sight that’s become pretty common…long lines at the polls and Election Tuesday isn’t even here, yet. In Augusta Richmond County, about 28,000 cast their ballots, in Columbia County about 22,000 voted by Friday morning. For the first time ever, Georgia voters could cast their ballots early for any reason they chose. And with the large crowds comes a big lesson for elections officials.

Neil Johnson, Board of Elections, Columbia County, GA: “We are going to have to analyze the past 30 days and get back on the drawing board and see what changes will benefit us. But right now I’m confident that we have a smooth flow.”

Some were in line for two hours. Folks say what helped the most was having poll workers pass out sample ballots. Because by they time they got to the booth their minds were made up.

Sarkar Mahendra, Voter: “I think this is pretty good instead of waiting till the last minute and its all crowded up, people can come at their own time and vote.“

Political analyst Ralph Walker says early voting may end up helping one candidate.

Ralph Walker, Augusta Political Analyst: “I think it helps Obama he’s the most charismatic of the two candidates and he’s getting votes.”

Walker says money problems could be the main reason for the early voter turnout.

Ralph Walker, Augusta Political Analyst: “You know when people are real happy and everything is going fine they don’t vote. But when they are upset they vote. People are upset about the economy they are turning out.“

Election workers say when you come out to vote Tuesday make sure you have a book to read or something else to do because they except you to be here for a while.