Effingham County election officials are preparing for November

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) – Across the country, starting October 15, people will be able to make their final choice for our next president at polling locations like this one.

Registered voters in Effingham have until November 1 to cast their ballot early. Laura Bassett, director of elections and registration, says voting early is the easiest way to avoid waits of 45 minutes or more.

“You know, our system is well built and if there is a moment where a voter needs assistance or assistance, we are ready to provide it immediately,” Bassett said.

Applications for postal votes must be submitted by October 25th. Bassett says for in-person voting, voters only need a valid ID to cast their ballot.

While some voting procedures have remained the same, not all have, according to Bassett.

“I was at the polls in 2006, and it used to be like a potluck where you see your neighbors and vote,” Bassett said. “And now it’s just multi-layered and very complex and with a lot of laws and restrictions and things that everyone has to follow, not just the poll workers but the voters as well.”

To ensure election security, Bassett has been teaching Effingham County sheriff’s deputies the ins and outs of voting law in preparation for Nov. 5.

Bassett also says her office tested all of Effingham’s voting equipment for accuracy and efficiency.

Despite the chaos that comes with the presidential election, Bassett says there are always a few things she’s most excited about.

“The process of having everyone included in the process and making sure every ballot is counted,” Bassett said.

For more information about the upcoming November 5th presidential election, click here.

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