Cherokee County elections board removes two early-voting sites for June runoff to save about $17,000

The Cherokee County Board of Elections voted to remove two early-voting locations for the June runoff, citing very low turnout and an effort to contain costs.

The board approved a motion to close the Ball Ground and Oak Grove early-voting sites for the runoff after Elections Director Anne reported turnout so far of about 3.3% in Cherokee County versus roughly 3% statewide and daily counts showing 425 voters at Ball Ground and 339 at Oak Grove. "We could potentially save close to $17,000 by closing those two locations," the Elections Director said.

Why it matters: Board members said the closures apply only to the limited runoff period and that voters in those areas could use nearby locations or the Elections Office. The board discussed geographic access and commuting times and emphasized that the proposal was intended to balance access with fiscal prudence for a short window of early voting.

What happened: A board member moved to reduce the number of runoff early-voting locations by removing Ball Ground and Oak Grove; the Chair seconded and the motion passed by voice vote after members clarified the change was only for the runoff. The board recorded the change for the advance voting schedule and noted plans to open the Elections Office on Sunday, June 7, if testing permits.

Details: The Elections Director said logic-and-accuracy testing and state project timing will influence exact hours for early voting. Board members agreed that, because turnout has been slow, maintaining seven locations for a short runoff could be an unnecessary cost. One member called the savings "mindful of spending county money" while noting poll worker payroll is a significant line-item.

What’s next: The board asked staff to implement the closure for the runoff period only and to communicate adjusted locations and hours to the public. The board did not change long-term site allocations for future elections.