Floyd County Elections To Host Mock Precinct Friday

The Floyd County Elections Center will host a mock precinct on Friday, where voters will be able to practice casting an in-person ballot.

The drop-in event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. in the center that shares space with the health department at 18 E. 12th St. in Rome.

Staffers will be on hand to explain each step of the voting process. Ballot marking devices, poll pads and a tabulator also will be set up in the same format as early voting. The interactive displays will use a completely made-up election with made-up candidates.

Registration closed Monday at 5 p.m. for residents who want to cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 election. Floyd County added nearly 600 more active voters to its roll over the past few weeks.

As of mid-Monday, the county had 60,394 active voters listed with the Georgia secretary of state’s office. Another 8,300 are listed as inactive, a status that would automatically change if they cast a ballot in the upcoming general election. Those who registered Monday had yet to be added to the list.

Voters can check their status on the My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov .

Early in-person voting for the general election starts Tuesday, Oct. 15, and runs through Friday, Nov. 1.

Topping the ballot is the presidential race, with Republican former President Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris virtually tied nationwide, according to most polls. Libertarian Chase Oliver and Green Party nominee Jill Stein also are running.

The Georgia ballot also lists independents Cornel West and Claudia De la Cruz. However, the Georgia Supreme Court upheld in late September a ruling that disqualified them and votes for them will not be counted.

There are a number of local races on the ballot but only four are contested.

Democrat Shawn Harris is challenging incumbent Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene for the 14th District U.S. House seat.

In state Senate District 53, Democrat Bart Bryant is challenging Republican incumbent Colton Moore. In state House District 12, Democrat Logan Johnson is challenging Republican incumbent Eddie Lumsden. And, in state House District 13, Democrat Kevin Aronhalt is challenging Republican incumbent Katie Dempsey.

Starting Oct 15, three early voting locations will be open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — at the elections center on 12th Street; Anthony Recreation Center, 2901 Garden Lakes Blvd.; and Thornton Recreation Center, 102 N. Floyd Park Road.

The elections center also will be open on two Saturdays, Oct. 19 and Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one Sunday, Oct. 27, from 1-5 p.m.

All precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.