Early voting now underway for Georgia presidential primary

Monday was the first day Georgia voters could go to the polls for the presidential primary.

Early voting started at 7 a.m. and Channel 2’s Kristen Holloway found many voters at the Cobb County elections main office were pumped to cast their ballots.

“Everybody should. I don’t care which way you vote, but vote 'cause we got to show other countries that we care, and we love the freedom of voting,” said one voter, who only identified herself as Donna.

Voters can expect a different experience than what we've seen in years.

New touch screen voting machines are now being used across the state for the 2020 elections.

You will still use a touch screen to choose a candidate. Then, the machine will print a paper ballot for you to verify your choices.

TRENDING STORIES

• President Trump to visit CDC in Atlanta to highlight U.S. response to coronavirus
• Super Tuesday: What is it, when is it, how many delegates are up for grabs
• John Lewis commemorates 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday

“There’s a psychological component to being able to see right there on the paper and confirm it rather than on the screen. I checked it two of three times and I’m sure others did the same,” voter Ken Levine said.

Your vote is not counted until you put the paper in the scanner, and you don't get it back.

“I was glad, I hate that we have to do but I think we have to until we get our system more secure,” Donna said.

Election officials told Holloway that the new system speeds up the voter check-in process, which leads to shorter lines at the polls.

“I think it went well. I think it’s a good system. For me, there’s nothing more important than integrity in our elections,” Levine said.

Georgians can vote at any early voting location in their county, but must go to their assigned precinct if they vote on Election Day.

The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office has a database of advanced voting locations for all 159 counties in metro area and the state.

You can find where to vote in your county in the database or on the My Voter Page website: https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov. You can also see a sample ballot before you head to vote.

Voters in DeKalb County learn ins and outs of new voting machines Channel 2's Audrey Washington reports.

© 2020 Cox Media Group