Advance Voting at new On-campus Precinct Begins Monday

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University's campus will serve as a new precinct and advance voting facility for the upcoming elections.

VSU faculty, staff and students can cast their ballots during advance voting next week between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Oct. 26-30, in the University Center's Executive Dining Room. Any other registered Lowndes County voter can use the campus polling location for advanced voting just as they would typically use the Board of Elections office. Those without VSU parking permits may park in any spot other than those marked for service vehicles. Handicapped spots may be used with proper identification.

On-campus students only will use the UC Executive Dining Room as their voting precinct between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. during general elections Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The new option is the result of collaboration between VSU's College Democrats, College Republicans and Deb Cox, supervisor of elections for Lowndes County. Working together with university officials and the justice department, they established the new on-campus precinct in an effort to make voting more convenient for the VSU community.

Cox said the participation from the VSU community could determine the fate for potential precincts on other campuses throughout the state.

"The state is watching to see whether or not this venture is successful enough to make campus precincts worth the effort, so we hope the VSU location has the highest possible turnout," said Cox, who also believes the VSU precinct could be the most influential in the area. "There are so many votes on campus, this precinct could individually determine the turnout of any local race -- that's a lot of power for one polling place and we hope the VSU community takes advantage of it."

Direct any questions about voting to the Board of Elections at (229) 671-2850 or elections@lowndescounty.com or visit the office at 2808 N. Oak St. from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Rides to the election office or to early voting locations are available by calling the number above.