More than 160 Wilkes County voters have already taken the opportunity to cast their votes for President and local offices, Supervisor of Elections Judge Jim Burton said, and 158 voters have requested ballots by mail in the first week of early voting.

Across Georgia, more than 108,000 voters voted in the first week of early voting, and more than 100,000 ballots have been mailed out. Early voting continues through October 24. The early voting bill recently passed by the Georgia legislature changed Georgia's election law to allow for in-person, noexcuse absentee voting for a full 45 days prior to the election, and 21 days before municipal elections.

"Any voters registered in Wilkes County may vote in person, without a reason, in the Registrar's Office on the third floor of the courthouse," said Wilkes County Registrar Gladys Reese. "We're open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and we don't close for lunch."

Since the Wilkes County courthouse is now a polling place, campaigning and posting political signs are not allowed within 150 feet of the courthouse, Burton said.

There are sample ballots posted at the courthouse, and voters may vote for both Democrats and Republicans on one ballot.

Everyone desiring to vote early will need to provide photo identification, Reese said. "If you do not have a photo ID, the Registrar's Office can issue one when you come in."

The early voting period began September 22 and ends Friday, October 24. The advance voting period begins Monday, October 27, and ends Friday, October 31.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voting by mail is also available. "You do not need a reason to vote by mail, or a photo ID," Reese said. "However, if you are over 75 years of age or disabled, and you vote by mail, you will automatically receive a ballot by mail for the December Run-off Election, if you check either E or D and mark the box that you are eligible to receive all absentee ballots as allowed by law."

Those who vote by mail in the November election using "No Reason" or any reason other than Elderly or Disabled, however, should submit two applications in order to receive a ballot for each election, she said, filling in the election date as November 4, 2008, on one application and December 2, 2008, on a second application.

Reese said she understands that the new rules can be confusing, and her office is busy answering a steady stream of questions from voters. "If you have questions or need assistance in completing the application for ballot form, please call 706-678-1850 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m."

Some applications, Reese said, are coming in filled out wrong, or in pencil, or unsigned. "We contact the person who sent in the application, and send them a new application so they can fill it out correctly. We want every eligible voter to vote, but we have to follow state election laws to the letter."