Dougherty County polling site temporarily relocated due to damage

The Mount Zion precinct will move to a nearby fellowship hall until a new facility is built.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:39pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior scene of an empty polling place with wooden chairs and desks, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and nostalgia.The temporary relocation of a Dougherty County polling site reflects the challenges election officials face in maintaining voter access and convenience.Albany Today

The Dougherty County Board of Registration and Elections has approved the temporary relocation of the Precinct 9 (Mount Zion) polling location following significant structural damage to the existing facility. The Mount Zion precinct, located at 1905 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, has been deemed uninhabitable and is scheduled for demolition. To maintain voting access, the board voted unanimously to relocate the precinct to the First Mount Olive Jake Edwards Fellowship Hall precinct located at 513 Corn Ave., approximately one mile from the original precinct.

Why it matters

Ensuring voters have a convenient and accessible place to cast their ballots is a top priority for election officials. This temporary relocation allows Precinct 9 residents to continue voting while the county works to build a new permanent facility.

The details

The new location provides accessible parking and is familiar to residents in the surrounding area. The Elections Office will take several steps to inform voters of the change, including posting signage, updating voter information, and mailing updated precinct identification cards.

  • The Mount Zion precinct has been deemed uninhabitable and is scheduled for demolition.

The players

Dougherty County Board of Registration and Elections

The county agency responsible for overseeing elections and voter registration in Dougherty County, Georgia.

Ginger Nickerson

The Dougherty County Registration and Elections Supervisor, who is focused on minimizing disruption during the polling site transition.

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What they’re saying

“This decision ensures voters in Precinct 9 continue to have a convenient and accessible place to cast their ballots.”

— Ginger Nickerson, Dougherty County Registration and Elections Supervisor

“Clear communication is a priority. We are taking proactive steps to ensure voters are aware of the new location well ahead of Election Day.”

— Ginger Nickerson, Dougherty County Registration and Elections Supervisor

What’s next

The temporary relocation is expected to remain in place until the completion of a new facility at the Mount Zion site.

The takeaway

This polling site transition highlights the importance of election officials working proactively to maintain voter access and minimize disruption, even when faced with unexpected facility challenges.