HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Thousand of Houston County folks are making their voice count by voting early.
The Houston County Board of Elections says thousands of folks have taken full advantage of the first week of early voting.
They say they've already had a "good turnout," adding they expect about half of those who plan to vote will vote early.
For those born in 2004, voting this year is another rite of passage.
"I really believe my vote counts and that the people we elect can make a difference. I think our governor can make an impact not only in our state, but also the United States and he has a voice," Isabella Nash said.
Nash just turned 18.
She voted early with her grandparents.
"It was a fast process. They kind of talked to me on how to do it, how it works, and how to register," Nash said.
Voting early ended up being a family affair for Hugh Davis, too.
"We vote early because we find it's very convenient. The lines are not long. People are very gracious and generous to us; and also, we were able to get a sample ballot and study it beforehand and you're in and out. There is no rush, no crowd. it's just been more convenient, and a treat!" Davis said.
Davis says he's been voting since he turned 18.
"It's really a blessing to be able to do that and it is also our duty to do that as an American. You can't complain about anything, the way the government is run, unless you vote, so it's been my privilege to vote all the time. I was reared by my parents to engage in that duty and it's been a blessing," Davis said.
Many others also want to skip the lines.
The first six days of voting brought in about 15,000 early Houston County voters.
"The turnout has been really good, the process really smooth," Holland said.
Holland also says they've mailed out about 3,500 ballots and about 1,500 have come back.
So, in total, just under 17,000 people have voted early in Houston County so far.
Leon Askew says early voting has been a great experience.
"You don't have to wait in the long line on the main day of voting. Just come out early if you don't have anything to do and you know you want to vote, come out early," Askew said.
In Macon-Bibb County, about 9,500 people have voted early.
That's according to Mike Kaplan with the Macon-Bibb County Board of Elections.
As of Monday morning, the Secretary of State's Office says 758,000 Georgians have cast their ballot in person.
More than 18,000 showed up during the first optional Sunday of early voting.
The office says Sunday's total marks 211 percent of the 2018 midterm total for the first Sunday of early voting.
"It speaks well for Georgia and the patriot spirit that we have," Davis said.
"I've really tried to get as many people as I can to vote and get registered, all my friends that are 18, so hopefully, the numbers will be higher," Nash said.
Houston County has four early voting locations.
Early voting continues Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this week and next.
You can also vote from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, October 29 in Houston County.