The clock is ticking down faster than ever to the November election, and officials here in Polk County are getting ready for the upcoming vote and want to ensure the public that work continues to keep the ballots secure and that everything is in place for November 3.

Before the November Election, voters have a chance to come to the polls starting on October 12 at 9 a.m. to cast their ballot, with both the Cedartown precinct at the Board of Elections office at 144 West Ave., and in Rockmart at the Nathan Dean Community Center at 605 Goodyear Ave., Rockmart.

Brande Coggins, Elections Coordinator for the Polk County Board of Elections, said that work remains underway to ensure that when voters head to the polls to cast their ballots in local, state and national races, they’ll be able to do so efficiently.

However, Coggins wants to make it clear that when voters decide to take on an absentee ballot, they will have an easier time of voting if they stick with their choice.

“I know there is a lot of concern around voters attempting to vote twice via absentee and then in person. Our office is working diligently to prepare for the large number of ballots that will be returned during the coming weeks,” Coggins said. “We are also working on a master list to send to the polls and to update throughout election day.”

Voters can surrender their absentee ballot on Election Day, but the vote they cast on a machine if they do so will be the one that counts. Coggins said the Elections office is working to ensure that poll workers and managers know what to do when a voter wants to surrender an absentee ballot, and a clerk is going to be stationed to assist with the process and issues at precincts across the county.

It will be easier ultimately for those who have requested an absentee ballot to stick with it.

“We are encouraging voters who request an absentee ballot to strongly consider sticking with their decision to vote via mail,” Coggins said. “If they change their mind and vote in person on Election Day, there will be extra steps that must be taken to ensure they are removed from the Absentee List if they have not already submitted their ballot.”

Ultimately, voters who want to change their ballot from absentee to one cast on November 3 will have to wait longer at a precinct if they go this route. For what its worth, Coggins said that people can track their ballot at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov or call the Board of Elections at 770-749-2103 to request an update.

“Also, we will post notices at our check-in stations regarding absentee voting,” Coggins said. “If a voter has submitted an absentee ballot to be counted and it has been received by our office, they must not attempt to vote in person. If this should occur, our office will be obligated to turn the information into the state as it may result in felony charges.”

Early voting for those who want to get their votes in early begins on October 12 and closes out on October 30 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Saturday voting day at both the Cedartown and Rockmart precincts will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 24, and extended hours until 7 p.m. will be available on Tuesday and Thursday, October 27 and October 29, during the final week of early voting. For those planning to early vote, be sure to have your driver’s license with you as proof of identification, or another form of Photo ID approved by the state, like a U.S. Passport.

All absentee ballots must be returned before 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3 to be counted.