Paulding County contributed their turnout to a record-breaking day to open Early Voting in the State of Georgia on Tuesday.

Just over 900 voters – 902 to be exact – cast a ballot in person at the Watson Government Complex, contributing to the more than 300,000 who reported to precincts across the state to get the 2024 General Election underway.

Among contested commission races for some, two big votes are on the ballot for Paulding County residents: who will be President for the next four years, and who will sit for district in the House of Representatives starting in January.

Former President Donald Trump is facing Vice President Kamala Harris on the ballot in the presidential race this year in a battleground state that polls have seen the two virtually tied. Harris if elected would be the first woman to become President.

In a more localized race, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is facing a challenge from retired Gen. Shawn Harris for the 14th District seat. The former General is a Polk County resident.

Early voting continued today and new figures should be available on Thursday, but with absentee paper ballots combined with the vote on Tuesday in person, 959 ballots have so far been cast out of Paulding County proper.

Registered voters with a state-issued ID in hand can visit the Watson Government Complex from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to cast a ballot. Early voting continues next week as well in the single location during the above hours.

Starting on October 28 for the final week of early voting, the Dianne Wright Innovation Center in Hiram and the precinct at Burnt Hickory Park will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours at all three precincts on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 to close at 7 p.m.

Those who need an absentee ballot can continue to request one until October 21. Remember: the Palmetto Distribution Center might cause issues with your ballot getting to elections officials locally on time to be counted by November 5, so please utilize the drop box location at the Watson Government Complex to turn in your absentee ballot if you are concerned it might not arrive on time.

Early voting comes to a close on Friday, November 1.

All of Paulding’s precincts will be open for Election Day on Tuesday, November 5.

You will need a state-issued ID to cast a ballot with your up-to-date home address where you registered to vote. Precinct officials will require you to e-sign for your ballot after your ID is verified.

Reminder: when voting, you cannot wear, carry or hand out items that are campaign-related in any way. That means for example no Harris buttons, no MAGA hats, no literature or signs. Signage must be kept 150 feet away from the front door of the precinct.

Check back for more as it becomes available on early voting numbers from local precincts.