Pierce County voters turned out in record numbers during the first week of early voting in the lead up to the Nov. 5 general election.
A total of 3,025 cast ballots over the first five days of early voting last week at the Board of Elections office at 312 Nichols Street. The five days includes Saturday voting. No early voting took place on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14.
The numbers eclipsed the 2,463 cast during early voting in 2020, when numbers were spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic raging at the time.
The numbers represent a 22 Percent turnout so far with two weeks to go before the election. Pierce County has 14,294 registered voters.
In addition to those voting early, the Board of elections also reported 118 absentee ballots received to date.
“We broke records daily,” said Elections Superintendent Leah Ritch. “Everything has gone very smoothly.”
Early voting turnout for the 2024 general election is set to meet and possibly exceed turnout from both 2020 and 2016 which both set records at the time. A total total of 6,421 votes were cast early in 2020 election and 4,926 votes cast early voting in the 2016 general election.
The numbers are similar statewide with over 1 million early votes cast.
Even with the steady turnout, voters aren’t waiting in long lines here. The maximum wait time to vote early here is reportedly 10 minutes, election officials say.
“Our poll workers have been amazing during this unprecedented turnout. We are truly thankful for each one of them,” Ritch said.
Advance voting will run through Friday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. each week day. Saturday voting will be held from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. October 26.
No voting will be held after November 1 at the Annex.
Absentee ballots can be requested by application from now until Friday, October 25.
Locals who do not vote early or by absentee will need to vote at their respective polling location at either the Pierce County Gym or Eagle Station on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
While there will be no local races on the ballot, Pierce County residents will choose their preference for president and will elect their U.S. Congressman from the first district.
Incumbent Buddy Carter (R, Pooler, St. Simons Island) is being challenged by Bryan County businesswoman and Democrat Patti Hewitt.
Voters will also consider two constitutional amendments and a state wide referendum all related to tax policy.
More information is available at piercecountyga.gov/electionsv oting-an-overview, mvp.sos.ga.gov and www.facebook. com/PierceVoters.
