Early voting for everyone

Published 5:30 pm Tuesday, October 14, 2008

To the editor:

In today’s, Monday, October 13, FORUM, a reader commented  that early voting  is limited to those over 70 and the disabled. The caller rightfully voiced frustration at not getting to vote in advance.

Please let  your readers know that this information is incorrect. Early voting is not limited to the elderly or disabled. Early voting only requires that registered voters  take approved photo ID to the Registrar’s Office (205 N. Selvidge, Suite K, in Dalton) and complete and application. Early voting does not require any “excuse” and is open through October 24th. Advanced voting is also open to everyone. Advanced voting in Georgia will take place October 27-31st from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Monday through Friday at the Registrar’s Office. Again, voters need to bring one form of acceptable photo identification.

Complete information regarding voting in Georgia can be found at the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office (http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/advanced_voting.htm) .  Attempts by anyone to prevent an individual  from voting should also be reported immediately to the same office. Early and advanced voting is open to registered voters in Georgia without regard to age or disability, and is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to participate in the electoral process. In fact, many candidates are encouraging advanced voting, as voter turnout is expected to be quite large this year.

Thank you for sharing this information with your readers.



Tammy Rice-Rodriguez