As April showers bring May flowers, the spring season is bringing more than rainy days and blooming tulips.
Early voting for the May 22 Georgia primary elections will begin on April 30, and for DeKalb voters worried about the most recent "sick out" by bus drivers or DeKalb Ethics Board, now's the time to get in line.
For those in DeKalb county looking to vote early, waiting for the May 22 voting day is not always a good idea. Those who wish to vote early must register by April 24.
READ | Several DeKalb Schools bus drivers say they were fired for calling in sick
According to director of DeKalb County Registration & Elections Erica Hamilton, voters are taking their time this year.
“As of April 18, which was Wednesday, 455 ballots have gone out,” Hamilton said. “It’s pretty low compared to Georgia’s 6th Congressional District elections last year.”
Voters in DeKalb looking to beat voting day lines have the chance to cast their ballots from April 30 - May 18 between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. depending on the day and location. And while it seems like a slow start, Hamilton believes this year’s line will still be impressive.
“I’m thinking it’s going to pick up once in-person early voting starts.”
READ | 5 things to know about the North DeKalb Mall demolition/rebuild plans
Early voting in DeKalb will take place at three main locations until May 14:
- Voter Registration & Elections Office: 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, GA 30032. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays (May 5 and 12), and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday (May 6).
- South DeKalb – The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall: 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays (May 5 and 12), and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday (May 6).
- North DeKalb – Dunwoody Library: 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338. Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays (May 5 and 12), and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday (May 6).
During the week of May 14 to May 18 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. , voters can only vote at the following locations:
- Atlanta – Coan Recreation Center: 1530 Woodbind Avenue, SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
- Brookhaven – Briarwood Recreation Center: 2235 Briarwood Way, NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319
- Chamblee – North DeKalb Senior Center: 3301 Malone Drive, Chamblee, GA 30341
- Decatur – First Christian Church of Decatur: 601 W. Ponce de Leon, Decatur, GA 30030
- East DeKalb - Berean Christian Church Community Center: 2440 Young Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30088
- Stonecrest – Stonecrest Library: 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038
- Tucker – Reid H. Cofer Library: 5234 LaVista Road. Tucker, GA 30084
READ | DeKalb ethics board pursues cases despite legal challenge
With multiple locations open throughout early voting weeks, Hamilton does not predict very long lines, and believes waiting times should not exceed 15 minutes.
“Bring your government issued ID, or if you’re a first time voter, know the personal ID you need to bring in,” Hamilton said. “If you’re not able to come in person for early or advanced voting, we encourage you to send in an absentee ballot.”
About the Author
