Richmond County early voter turnout could mean low final count

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The big election is here and it’s not just for presidential candidates.

For Richmond County, multiple seats are up for grabs — five commission seats, the District Attorney’s office, the mayor’s vote, and the sheriff’s office race.

Despite all of the local positions that are on the line, Richmond County officials say the turnout is expected to be low for voting on Tuesday.

“I don’t know if it’s voter apathy, or giving voters too many choices,” said Executive Director for the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Elections, Travis Doss.

The worry is by the end of the day, only 25% of the county is expected to come out.

“As far as advanced voting is concerned, we had four sites open for a total of 18 days. Previous times, we’ve only had one site open and then we opened up the satellite sites for just that last week,” said Doss.

The goal is 9,000 this year in early voting. Back in 2022, when only five commission seats and the mayor were on the ballot, 13,000 came out to vote early.

The city doesn’t offer free rides to the polls for the primary — that’s typically only available in November.

Deputy Director of Augusta Transit, Dr. Oliver Page, said: “We also do not want to disenfranchise anyone. We believe a $1.25 is very affordable for a majority of people here, and there are some seniors and persons with disabilities that can get discounted rides.”

But they’re still optimistic for Tuesday.

Doss said: “I’m hoping that on election day, we’ll see higher numbers.”

For the county-wide sheriff’s office race, all three candidates running Tuesday will only appear on the Democratic ballot.

You can check your information on Georgia’s My Voter Page.

To view your specific sample ballot and find your voting location, visit https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.

What Augusta Transit offers

Augusta Transit said it offers affordable rides to polling locations.

The majority of polling stations in Augusta Commission Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are within a quarter-mile of regular transit, the agency said.

All polling stations in District 8 are accessible for everyone by Richmond Transit. However, rides must be booked in advance by calling 706-821-1497.

The single-ride regular fare is $1.25 plus 50 cents if a transfer is required.

Augusta Transit buses accommodate people with a disability or require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To find a bus route near you, bus schedules and learn which bus gets you to your destination, call 706-821-1719 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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