Lee County Board of Elections & Registration

Why is the right to vote important?

The right to vote is an essential element of democracy in any country, and the proportion of adult citizens who exercise that right in free, fair, and frequent elections is one measure of how democratic a country is.

Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your right to vote.

Do you know why elections are held on Tuesdays?

For decades, federal elections in the United States have been held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, but why this date?

Originally, election days varied by state, but in 1845 a Federal Law was passed to set a single election day for the entire country. At first, it applied only to presidential elections, but it was later extended to congressional elections as well. The United States, at that time, was still largely an agrarian society. For farmers, who made up a majority of the labor force, much of the year was occupied by the planting, tending, and harvesting of crops. Early November was a good time to vote because the harvest was in, but the weather was still relatively mild.

Some days of the week were better than others. Two days were definitely out of the question. Most Americans were devout Christians and thus set aside Sunday as a day of rest and worship. Wednesday in many areas was a market day, when farmers sold their crops in town. In addition, a travel day was sometimes required. In rural areas, the nearest polling place might have been several miles away, and, in an era before automobiles, getting there could take a while. If people couldn’t use Sunday or Wednesday as their travel day, then that meant election day couldn’t be on Monday or Thursday, either. And so, Tuesday was perceived as the best option.

Today, however, increased opportunities to vote early and by mail have had the effect of making election day less central to the voting experience than it once was.

Did you know that 2024 is a historic election year in the United States? Here’s why it matters:

Presidential Election:
Americans will head to the polls on November 5, 2024, to elect their 60th president. The outcome will significantly impact people’s lives both domestically and globally.

In the US, the political system is dominated by two parties:

Democrats: Incumbent President Joe Biden seeks a second term.

Republicans (GOP) Former President Donald Trump is seeking re-election for a second term.

Electoral College:
Candidates compete for 538 electoral college votes, with each state’s allocation based on population. Winning 270 or more votes secures the presidency. This state-level focus explains how a candidate can win the national popular vote but lose due to the electoral college.

In summary, the 2024 US election will shape the nation’s direction, policies, and global relations. So, register to vote at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov

Don't forget -- it is Runoff time! Advance-in-Person voting ends Friday, June 14th!

Advance-in-Person Voting is happening now!

Lee County Elections Office
Monday - Friday 8:15 - 5:00

Spread the word….Advance-in-Person voting begins Monday at 8:15 in the Elections Office for the June 18, 2024 Republican Runoff.

Am I eligible to vote…
• If you voted Republican in the May 21, 2024 Primary/Nonpartisan Election….YES!
• If you voted Nonpartisan in the May 21, 2024 Primary/Nonpartisan Election….YES!
• If you are registered to vote but did not vote in the May 21, 2024 Primary…YES!
• If you voted Democrat in the May 21, 2024 Primary…NO! (See you in November!)

TODAY is the last day of Advance Voting! The Elections Office will be open from 8:15 am - 5:00 pm. Avoid the crowds on Tuesday, VOTE EARLY!

Election Knowledge Fun Fact - The My Voter Page has a wealth of information. View your sample ballots, locate your precinct for Tuesday, change your address, etc.....
www.mvp.sos.ga.gov

TWO DAYS...that is all that is left of Advance Voting! Come see us today or tomorrow from 8:15 am - 5:00 pm.

Day 14 - Tuesday, May 14 - The rain should end soon, so make a plan to come vote this afternoon! We are open until 5:00 pm. There are only 4 days left to vote early.

Election Knowledge Fun Fact -Lee County Primaries from 2008 - 2022 average a 29.92% voter turnout rate. The lowest turnout was in 2018 at 18.25%, and the highest was in 2012 with 41.67%.

Day 13 - May 13th
Last week to vote early...what are you waiting for? We are open all week from 8:15 - 5:00!

Election Knowledge Fun fact - A presidential candidate needs 270 electoral college votes to win the Presidency. Do you know how many electoral votes are up for grab in all? A whopping 538!

S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y is the best day to vote! Skip the mall and come see us at the Elections Office! 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

DAY 10 - Thursday, May 9th
Two voting locations are open today:
Elections Office 8:15 - 5:00
Redbone Fire Station 2:00 - 7:00

Election Knowledge Fun Fact: Did you know that GA law requires all poll workers be trained prior to each election? Not a suggestion - a requirement! Lee County is lucky to have poll workers who are dedicated to the process and return election after election! Be sure to thank your poll workers when you vote!

DAY 9 - Wednesday, May 8th
We are headed to Redbone Fire Station this afternoon from 2:00 - 7:00 pm! Tell your neighbors and friends to come vote early!

Election Knowledge Fun Fact - Did you know that GA has a website that allows sample ballots to be viewed, precincts to be located, and a plethora of other voting information available 24 hours a day? Visit www.mvp.sos.ga.gov to view sample ballots and be an informed voter!

DAY 8 - Tuesday, May 7th
Did you know we have extended hours this week so you can vote after work?

Tue The Bindery 2:00 - 7:00
Wed - Thur Redbone Fire Station 2:00 - 7:00
Sat Elections Office 9:00 - 5:00

Election Knowledge Fun Fact -Why is a Republican state called "red" and a Democratic state called "blue"? This is a very recent phenomenon, actually due to televised election night coverage and the need to color-code electoral college maps. For most of their history, parties didn't have colors.

DAY 7 - Monday, May 6th
Lots of opportunity for voting this week! Vote Early!
Mon - Fri Elections Office 8:15 - 5:00
Mon - Tue The Bindery 2:00 - 7:00
Wed - Thur Redbone Fire Station 2:00 - 7:00
Sat Elections Office 9:00 - 5:00

Election Knowledge Fun Fact - Massachusetts was the first state to pass a law requiring ballots to be secret in 1888. The trend spread quickly and Kentucky was the last state to adopt this law in 1891.

DAY 6 - SATURDAY VOTING IS HERE!
Open 9:00 - 5:00 today!

DAY 4 - We are here and ready to see you! Vote Early!!
5/2 & 5/3 8:15 - 5:00
5/4 9:00 - 5:00

Election Knowledge Fun Fact:
In what year was the voting age lowered from 21 to 18? The 26th Amendment, passed in 1971, lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

DAY 3 - Ready, Set, Go!
Tuesday was slow...we want to see lots of voters today! 8:15-5:00

Election Knowledge Fun Fact:

Why are elections held on Tuesday? It is a relic of American's agricultural lifestyle in the mid-1800s. Sunday was for church, Monday was a travel day, and on Tuesday you cast your ballot. Today, GA law provides for Advance-in-Person voting beginning 22 days prior to a primary or general election.

Are you ready to vote? The Elections Office is open and ready for DAY 2 of Advance Voting for the May 2024 Primaries!

Let's test your election knowledge...

What are Primaries? Primaries are elections that political parties (Republican and Democratic) use to select candidates for a General Election. The "winner" of a party primary will run against the other political party "winner" in the General Election in November.

To see a sample ballot, visit www.mvp.sos.ga.gov

Advance-In-Person Voting begins TODAY at the Elections and Registration Office, 100 Starksville Avenue, North, Suite B, Leesburg, Georgia.

Monday through Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays, May 4th & May 11th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The last day a voter may vote an Advance-in-Person ballot is Friday, May 17, 2024.

Last Day to Vote Early! We are open until 5:00 pm!

Time is winding down to vote early!
March 7th & 8th - 8:15 am -5:00 pm

GA might not be part of Super Tuesday - but you can still make today SUPER! Come vote early at the Elections Office today - Friday! 8:15 am - 5:00 pm

Making plans for the weekend? We will be open for voting on Saturday, March 2 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm! Come see us!