Large Crowds for Saturday Voting

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Early voting lines wrapped around the Bibb County Board of Elections building as thousands took advantage of the opportunity to vote Saturday.

It was the first time statewide that people were able to vote early in a presidential election on a Saturday. The Bibb County Board of Elections was open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For people with busy schedules, like Elaine Johnson, weekend voting allows her voice to be heard without missing work.

“I love the convenience. Because it’s kind of hard to get away from work before 7 p.m.,” Johnson said.

Civil rights leader Dr. Joseph Lowery stopped by Middle Georgia churches urging people to go to the polls. Lowery led several civil rights marches and fought with leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to ensure equal opportunities. This Saturday, he was in Forsyth and Macon, leading people to the polls. 

“Get out and vote!” Lowery said, “We’re trying to people to go vote.”

Connie Gantt was determined to get people out to vote on Saturday. She spent her weekend using her own car to drive people to the Board of Elections.

“A lot of people say their vote doesn’t count,” Gantt said, “but they just don’t know, one vote can make a difference.” 

According to the Secretary of State Brian Kemp, almost 700,000 voters in the state voted early. A Bibb County Board of Elections official said that 1,205 people voted on Saturday.