If you’re an Effingham County voter planning to skip the Election Day lines, early voting offers a chance to cast your ballot ahead of time — but knowing where to go, when to vote and what to bring can make the process easier.
Voters preparing to cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm elections can cast their ballot Oct. 13, giving residents approximately three weeks to comb through candidates campaign pitches and attend meet-and-greets ahead of Election Day Nov. 3. Here’s what voters need to know about early voting locations, hours, identification requirements and key deadlines before heading to the polls.
Early Voting 101
The Early Voting period will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13 through Oct. 30, including two Saturdays, Oct. 17 and Oct. 24. All residents
must cast their ballot at the Effingham County Board of Elections Office on Highway 119 in Springfield.
"Voters need to bring one form of photo identification," said Elections Director Laura Bassett. "Voters may also bring a printed sample ballot or personal voting guide to use as a reference while voting. Cell phones and other electronic devices cannot be used as a voting aid while in the polling place, so voters who want to refer to their choices should bring a printed copy."
State law requires that all voters present photo identification if voting in person, according to Bassett.
"Acceptable identification includes a Georgia driver's license, Georgia voter identification card, valid U.S. passport, valid government-issued photo ID, valid military ID, or valid tribal ID," she said. "Voters who do not have a Georgia driver's license or Georgia state identification card may obtain a Georgia Voter Identification Card through the Elections Office."
What is on the ballot?
A number of county commissioners are running opposed, as well as other items involving tax relief and a county-wide one percent sales tax. Here are the items and races on the ballot:
District 2: Roger Burdette vs. Darlene Ainsworth
District 3: Incumbent Jamie DeLoach vs. Scott Hoffman
District 5: Incumbent Phil Keiffer vs. Write-in Candidate James Daniels
House District 161: Incumbent Bill Hitchens vs. David Dillie
Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST): Imposes a 1% sales tax that helps fund parks, county projects and facilities, etc...
House Bill 439: According to Bill Tracker, House Bill 439 would give counties the authority to create grant programs to provide tax relief for qualifying homesteads. Gov. Brian Kemp signed the piece of legislation May 12 and it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
What else should voters know?
Because this is a General Election, voters are not required to select their political party in order to vote. Voters are encouraged to review their sample ballot and confirm their polling location before heading to the polls. They should also research candidates and ballot questions ahead of time.
Lastly, Bassett is reminding voters about campaigning regulations and that certain attire is prohibited at polling locations.
"We also remind voters that campaigning is not permitted at the polling place or within 150 feet of the outer edge of the polling-place building," said Bassett. "This includes soliciting votes and displaying or distributing campaign materials. Voters should not wear campaign-related shirts, hats, buttons, stickers, or other campaign materials when they come to vote. Taking a few minutes to prepare before arriving helps ensure a smooth voting experience for everyone."
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Commissioners, SPLOST on Effingham County ballot. Check out voter guide.
