Chatham County, Georgia, is poised for a busy Election Day as voters prepare to make their voices heard in local races. Polls opened on November 4, 2023, with officials anticipating a strong turnout following significant early voting numbers. More than 16,000 residents have already cast their ballots, indicating heightened interest in this year’s elections.
Election officials attribute the surge in early voting to several local mayoral contests and two countywide tax questions that have generated robust discussions within the community. Billy Wooten, the Chatham County Elections Supervisor, noted, “We’ve had a very good turnout compared to the other three elections we’ve had this year, where the turnout was very small all three times. So, this is encouraging.”
The races include key mayoral positions in Bloomingdale, Port Wentworth, and Midway. Voters are motivated to participate, particularly when their local leaders are on the ballot. Wooten emphasized that when hometown names are featured, it tends to drive voter engagement.
Voters are reminded to bring valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID. Georgia residents can check their assigned polling locations and preview sample ballots on the state’s official voter portal.
For those with absentee ballots at home, it is still possible to vote in person. Voters can bring their absentee ballots to polling sites to have them canceled before casting a new vote.
Polling places are open from 07:00 to 19:00 local time, with voters allowed to cast their votes as long as they are in line by closing time. To facilitate access, the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) is offering free transportation through its “CAT to the polls” initiative. This service includes both fixed-route and paratransit options operating from 05:00 to 22:15 to assist voters in reaching their polling locations.
Officials are fully prepared for any technical issues that may arise throughout the day. Chatham County, one of Georgia’s largest voting populations outside of metro Atlanta, stands as a significant indicator of statewide trends. As the day unfolds, officials hope that turnout in the Coastal Empire will reflect broader voter engagement across Georgia.
Residents are encouraged to take a moment during their daily routines to visit their local polling places and ensure their voices are included in the democratic process.