SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – More than 50 percent of votes in Chatham County will be cast before Election Day, according to the local registrar’s office.

To inform voters of their early voting options, Board Chairman Colin McRae held a press conference Wednesday.

Monday, October 7th is a big day for the board as it is not only the deadline to register to vote, but also the day that mail-in ballots will be mailed to voters.

“Unlike some states where you can register much closer to the vote, that’s not the case in Georgia,” McRae said. “You have to do it 30 days in advance.”

For those with internet access, the chairman recommended voters visit mvp.sos.ga.gov where they can check their registration status.

Voters can also contact the election board office by telephone 912-790-1520 or visit the main office at 1117 Eisenhower Dr. to check status.

Former President Donald Trump delivers a speech in Savannah

When voting by post, the voter must submit an application themselves. Even if third parties are allowed to send postal voting applications, the board will not send them.

“Georgia is not a state that sends mail-in ballots to all voters,” McRae said. “In fact, there aren’t even absentee ballot applications being sent out by our office.”

The deadline for submitting an application for a postal vote is October 25th.

Voters can obtain an application through local libraries, the Secretary of State’s office or voter.chathamcounty.gov.

You can file your application electronically in Chatham County by scanning the document (or taking a clear photo) and emailing it to [email protected] or [email protected].

You can also drop it off or fill it out at the main office.

McRae said absentee voting is a great option because it gives voters time with their ballot to make informed decisions and reduces the pressure that could arise on Election Day.

“I am participating in the absentee process because I know it is safe and secure,” he told reporters.

Absentee ballots must be received by the board by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.

If you’re mailing your ballot, McRae recommends doing so at least a week before Election Day.

“Don’t plan on mailing it the Friday before the election and expect it to arrive on time,” he said.

If you are pressed for time, you can drop off your mail-in ballot at one of the county’s three drop-off locations: the main office, Mosquito Control or the Islands Library. They are only available indoors during early voting hours.

It is also possible to hand in your postal ballot in person at the office.

McRae said the board expects a robust early voting process. They have set up seven early voting sites, the most the county has ever had.

These include the Main Office, Mosquito Control, the Savannah Civic Center, Pooler City Hall, and the Islands, Southwest and Garden City Libraries.

Any voter in the county can go to any early voting location.

As always, voters can also wait until Election Day to cast their ballot. Voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m

McRae recommended voters visit mvp.sos.ga.gov or voter.chathamcounty.gov for even more information about the election.

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