CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () – Election officials in Chatham County are feeling optimistic as Election Day approaches this Tuesday, noting a rise in early voter participation compared to past elections.

“The turnout we’ve seen is significantly better than the previous three elections this year, which all had relatively low participation,” remarked Billy Wooten, the Elections Officer.

This year has been particularly eventful for elections in Chatham County. Wooten highlighted the encouraging trend of over 15,000 residents casting their votes early, providing an upbeat outlook for Election Day.

“There’s a heightened local interest because many voters recognize the names on the ballot—be it neighbors, fellow church members, or acquaintances,” Wooten explained.

He suggested that this local engagement could further amplify voter turnout. Residents in areas such as Thunderbolt, Port Wentworth, Garden City, Bloomingdale, Vernonburg, and Tybee Island will be selecting their municipal representatives.

On a broader scale, Chatham County citizens will also make decisions on the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), while the entire state will vote on members of Georgia’s Public Service Commission.

“There’s a lot of moving parts to elections: the delivery of the equipment, making sure all the workers are there,” Wooten said. “We started this morning before eight, we’ll finish tonight hopefully before eight, and then we’ll start again tomorrow morning about five.”

Crews have been working since early morning to prepare polling locations. Wooten said staffing and equipment are ready to handle voters.

He also reminded voters to bring a photo ID.

“We have a large voice in how Georgia elections go. We’re the fifth-largest county for voter registrations,” Wooten said. “We’re the largest county outside of the metro Atlanta area, so people look at Chatham, they look at the turnout here and what the trend is here. Chatham is an important county for state results, and voters should take that seriously.”

Polling locations open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. As long as you’re in line by 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.