Richmond County Last Minute Voting Information

Augusta, GA—Augusta Richmond County Board of Elections Executive Director Lynn Bailey wants to spread the word about some important rules and hours on Election Day.  Bailey draws attention to one specific law about taking pictures at polling centers.  WJBF has not encouraged and would not encourage viewers to violate this law.

This is from an email from Lynn Bailey:

You will find below some useful information regarding Election Day voting.  I especially call your attention to the first section “Photographing and Video Recording at the Polls”.  There is misinformation being put out by media on this issue that should be corrected as soon as possible.  I have been asked repeatedly today about these three issues and thought I would ask your assistance in passing along this valuable information to our voters.

Photographing and Video Recording at the Polls:
It has come to our attention that at least one local media outlet is asking voters to make photographs and/or video recordings of polling activities.  Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 21-2-413) prohibits the use of any photographic or other electronic monitoring or recording devices or cellular telephones while the voter is in the enclosed space.  The enclosed space is that area of the polling place that contains the voting equipment.  This area cannot be photographed or video recorded.  If your outlet (tv, radio, print) is publishing information encouraging voters to video or otherwise record their voting experience, we ask that you correct the information that you are publishing because otherwise, it will be confusing tomorrow.  There are posters at each polling place informing voters that photographing or video recording is prohibited. 

Returning Mail Out Absentee Ballots:
In order to be counted, an absentee ballot must be received by the Board of Elections Office by 7:00 PM on Election Night.  Any voter who has been mailed an absentee ballot, but who has not received their ballot will be required to come to the Board of Elections Office prior to going to their polling place in order to have the mailed ballot canceled.

Polling Hours
There are 52 polling locations in Richmond County and the hours for voting will be from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM.  Any voter in line at 7:00 PM will be allowed to cast their ballot.