News 12 First at Five, October 6, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---The presidential election is just weeks away, and if you're not signed up to vote you're out of luck.

The voter registration deadline has come and gone. We've seen a record turnout locally.

"This is my third one I've helped," said Jackie Dickens. She is on a mission to get voters to the polls.

"I'm getting them in here," said Jackie. "If they don't have no way just call me."

That's exactly what Mrs. Polly Kendrick did. Now at age 64 Mrs. Polly can proudly say, "This is my first time to vote."

She's not alone. One by one people streamed in on the last day to register to vote. As of October 1,2008, a record 100,000 people had already signed up.

"We've had 300 to 600 people come through everyday to vote," said Lynn Bailey who is director of the Richmond County Board of Elections.
It's no doubt an overwhelming time, but Jackie will make sure Mrs. Polly and others like her keep things straight.

"They've got to wait two days after they register," said Jackie. "Then I'm going to bring her back to vote."

It's all part of a days work says Jackie, and she's not done yet. "I want everybody to come, said Jackie. "I think we all need to vote."