Irwin County sets early‑voting schedule and equipment testing ahead of May 19 primary

Irwin County's elections office outlined logistical preparations for the May 19 primary, including equipment testing, early‑voting windows and contingency dates for runoffs.

Election Supervisor Ethan Compton told the board testing of voting equipment is scheduled April 13–15 from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and that any party or member of the public is invited to observe the process. He described the procedure: county staff load firmware, use a locally developed rubric to exercise every ballot style and option, run an unpredictable test deck of votes, compare the results to expected outcomes, back up test images and logs, reset public counters to zero and secure equipment and seals to maintain chain of custody.

Compton said the goal is to ensure “proper logging of votes” and to document seals and security so equipment cannot be used between testing and the start of voting. He also recommended widespread distribution of sample ballots to reduce lines and help voters be prepared.

The elections office set early‑voting hours at the county office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during these windows: April 27–May 2, May 4–9 and May 11–15. Absentee‑by‑mail applications are available now through May 8 via the office or the Georgia Secretary of State’s absentee portal.

Compton estimated turnout of roughly 1,000 early ballots, 750 ballots in Ocilla on Election Day, 500 in Irwinville and about 50 absentee ballots for a projected total near 2,300 (range 1,800–3,000). He advised staffing and equipment deployments to handle the high end of that range and the longer voter time expected for this ballot.

If runoffs occur, Compton said contingency testing would be June 1–3, early voting June 8–12 and a runoff day on June 16.