Rainy weather, early voting impacting election turnout in DeKalb

Signs direct Dekalb County voters into Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School for Election Day.

Signs direct Dekalb County voters into Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School for Election Day.

The morning started off slow in DeKalb County as voters woke up early to vote in the Tuesday primary elections.

As the morning eases into the afternoon, the rainy weather could lead to short lines throughout the rest of the voting day.

Only six voters were at Mary Mcleod Bethune Middle School on Covington Highway in Decatur around 9:30 a.m. Poll worker Jamila Clark said only 52 people had voted so far.

“It’s hard to say why it’s slow. It might be because more people voted early for this election,” said Clark.

However, Clark said numbers should increase during the day.

Voters in DeKalb county have until 7 p.m. to cast their ballots for today’s election.

When asked why she came out to vote, Kathy Edwards did not hesitate with her answer.

“My right to vote. That’s it. I’m here to practice my right,” she said.

Edwards is especially concerned about Medicaid expansion. For that reason, she said, she’s voting for Democratic gubenatorial nominee Stacey Abrams.

“To be honest, I’m really pushing for Medicaid expansion here in Georgia because I’ve seen what it does to other states that don’t have it,” said Edwards.

Without the expansion of Medicaid, she said, elderly people in Georgia will continue to suffer.

Following today’s election, Georgia voters will vote again during the July 24 runoffs and Nov. 6 general election.

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