There's still time to vote early in the July 18 General Primary Election for those with a special reason to vote early, and advance voting begins for everyone July 10.

"The touch-screen voting machines are ready for you to cast your vote in person," said Deb Anderson of the Registrar's office. "You can vote now at the Voter Registrar's office located in Room 323 at the Courthouse if you qualify for one of the following reasons: physical disability, elderly, care giver, if you'll be out of the precinct, if you're an election official or a public servant, or if it's a religious holiday for you."

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and stays open through lunch.

Advance voting - the early voting you don't need a reason for - begins Monday, July 10 and runs through Friday July 14. "Advance voting gives everyone a chance to vote in person before Election Day," Anderson said, "and it's available in our office all that week. July 14 will be the last day you can cast your vote before Election Day, and it's the last day absentee ballots can be mailed out."

Applications for an absentee ballot are available at the Courthouse, or online. Requests can be made by mail addressed to Wilkes Board of Registrars, 23 Court St. Room 323, Washington, GA 30673.

"If both husband and wife are making this request, they must mail each completed application back to us in a separate envelope," Anderson said. "Your absentee ballot will be issued and mailed to you. Absentee voting by mail does not require a reason."

For further information, call 706-678-1850.

Polls will be open on Tuesday, July 18 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. for the primary election.

Photo identification will be required when you vote, she said. The six types of ID are: Georgia driver's license; valid identification card issued by any state or U.S. office with photo; valid U.S. passport; valid government employee photo ID; valid U.S. military ID card with photo; or a valid tribal ID card with photo.

First-time voters who registered by mail (without including photo ID) will be required to show one of the above photo IDs, she said, or an items of residence verification.