News 12 at 11, October 13, 2008
Aiken County--- 415 people took part in absentee voting Monday in Aiken County but they had to vote here at the Aiken County Voter Registration & Elections Office.
"I think it's really unfortunate, I think it's despicable, and questionable as to it's motive," Aiken Co. Democratic Party, John Brecht said.
The election office says there will be no absentee voting at the Kalmia Mall in Aiken, the Nancy Carson Library in North Augusta, or the Roy Warner Park in Wagner. Three places once listed as precincts. Absentee voting will only take place at the Aiken County Voting Office.
"I think I'd like to see the voting be done at the office so there is no problem with the validity with the votes. I think that's important," Aiken Co. Republican Party, David Lobb said.
The Registration and Elections Commission was asked to clarify whether absentee votes cast at satellite locations not at the voting office will be excepted.
"What is concerned is all the votes whether they be republican or democrat would be thrown out, and more likely more republican than democratic votes would be thrown out if that would happen," Lobb said.
"And it's obviously very important to some of these folks that we have these satellite places. I say, we do exactly what they ask us to do. Lets go see if we can get an opinion from the state. And so I respectfully would withdraw my motion," Vice Chairman, Melanie Hutto said.
Some voters say they don't agree with the idea because there's no sheltered location at the voting office for people who have to stand in line.
"Down here at Kalmia there is a indoor mall where they will be able to wait in a sheltered location. So you're just making it more difficult, more uncomfortable for people to vote," Brecht said.
