The Jackson County Board of Elections and Registration has voted to consolidate the county's current 16 voting places down to four.
"With the increase in early voting, most voters cast their ballot before Election Day which decreases the need to have so many Election Day polling locations," according to a press release from the board. "The Board of Elections and Registration believes the consolidation of the precincts will streamline the voting process. The Elections office will be able to adequately supply and staff each polling location to enhance the voting experience for all voters in Jackson County."
The new polling locations will be: Northeast Church for the west side of the county, Hope Crossing Church for the central part of the county, Southside Church for the southeast part of the county, and Mt. Olive Baptist Church for the northeast part of the county.
"The Board believes all the new polling locations can handle the Election Day turnout, traffic, and parking needs," the release further states. "The Board believes there will be a significant monetary savings in consolidating and hopes that voters understand that it was not a decision that was entered into lightly. The Board has also voted to purchase the Easy Vote Program. The Easy Vote Program will help speed up the process of Early Voting, as well as Absentee By Mail voting. This will help to decrease lines as more voters continue to take advantage of the three weeks of early voting before each election."
Any questions or concerns should be put in writing to the elections board. Send them to: Jackson County Board of Elections and Voter Registration, 441 Gordon Street, Jefferson, GA 30549 by September 15.
