As Georgians ease their way into spring, seasonal allergies and warm weather are not the only things on their minds.
April 30 marks the start of early voting for Republican and Democratic primaries, nonpartisan and special elections.
According to Cherokee County’s political parties, many residents are concerned about high taxes and local control of schools and can cast ballots in advance of the May 22 election day.
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Early voting locations, times
According to Kim Stancil, director of Cherokee County Elections & Voter Registration, Cherokee receives an impressive number of early voters.
In the 2016 general primary, 8,174 residents voted early in person, said Stancil. So far, 153 ballots have been mailed out, she said in an email.
The registration deadline for both the general primary and the city of Waleska special election was April 24.
Early voting in Cherokee will take place April 30-May 4 and May 7-11, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the main Cherokee elections office, 400 E. Main Street in Canton.
Saturday voting will take place May 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cherokee elections office on E. Main Street and at the following libraries:
- Ball Ground Public Library: 435 Old Canton Rd, Ball Ground, GA 30107
- Hickory Flat Public Library: 2740 E Cherokee Dr, Canton, GA 30115
- Rose Creek Public Library: 4476 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30189
- Woodstock Public Library: 7735 Main St, Woodstock, GA 30188
Advance voting will take place Monday-Friday, May 14-18, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the main county elections office on E. Main Street and at the four libraries.
Voters heading to the polls for the city of Waleska special election can vote early at the main Cherokee County elections office.
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What to expect
As residents prepare to vote, lines are expected to grow. For those looking to skip the line, early voting is the way to go.
While over 8,000 people voted early in Cherokee during the 2016 primaries, voters should not expect to spend much time in line.
“We were very busy for the presidential election, and even then, during our busiest times, our wait time was at the most 20-25 minutes,” said Stancil.
Visit the county election's website for more information here.
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