News 12 First at Five, December 2, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---It is one of two hotly contested races that will determine whether Democrats will get a filibuster proof senate. The runoff between Senator Saxby Chambliss and Democratic challenger Jim Martin has brought several presidential figures, candidates, and rappers to political rallies.

There's a lot riding on the Georgia Senate Run-off election, and that's why some voters were stunned when they were turned away from the polls. It was a small misunderstanding that could have some big consequences.

It was a small misunderstanding that could have some big consequences. It happened at the Bernie Ward Community Center on Lumpkin Road. There was voting and an energy assistance program going on at the same time. Program organizers, attempting to avoid problems, announced no more names are being taken, come back tomorrow. Everyone in line, including voters, turned away.

"I thought they were trying to pull our leg about the vote,” said voter Patricia Jones. “He didn't specify. He just said no more names are being taken."

"We said this is not right,” said voter Tony Carthen. “It's some type of trick involved in this. I'm glad that we're clarifying it now."

“Any voter who may have been confused please come on back and cast your ballot," requested board of elections director Lynn Bailey.

There's no clear idea just how many people were impacted by the misunderstanding.