Turnout strong in first week of early voting

By J.D.Sumner (47)

As of Thursday, July 12, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Albany Herald

Photo by Nate McCullough

ALBANY — More than 450 people have already cast ballots in the for the July 31 primary, a larger-than-usual turnout, elections officials say.

Dougherty County Elections Supervisor Ginger Nickerson said Thursday morning that 453 people had already participated in the early voting period that started Monday.

"It's been building every day," Nickerson said. "It's been really, really good."

Nickerson said that 108 people cast ballots on the first day, 168 on Tuesday and 177 on Wednesday. Of the 453 votes, 416 have been for the Democratic ballot and 37 have been for the Republican ballot.

Most of the local races are on the Democratic ballot, including contested races for state house, the Dougherty County School Board At-Large seat, and the coroner's race. The only contested race on the Republican ballot is the 2nd Congressional District GOP primary between John House, Rick Allen and Ken Deloach. The winner of that race will face longtime Democratic incumbent Sanford Bishop in November.