Democracy isn't free: How much are Bibb County residents spending to cast their vote?
MACON, Ga. (WGXA)--They say democracy isn't free.
"Elections cost money. To have we need people we need supplies, utilities, we need all the things we need to make the election happen," said Interim Election Supervisor Thomas Gillon.
Gillon says, this year, there's a convenience fee for offering more options to voters.
"Given all the extra poll workers, in addition to the other staff, there's a lot of overtime involved because we're open either six or seven days a week. The last week is around $43,000 for payroll," Thomas said.
With three polling locations and Saturday and Sunday voting offered this election cycle, Gillon says the costs to cast your ballot checks off being more expensive than in previous elections.
"About a one-third more than prior locations where we only had two locations," Gillon explained.
It's a cost that Voter, Alesia Boone says she wishes more people would know about when making their decision to sit out on an election.
"It's sort of irresponsible for people to not take advantage of. People gave their lives and blood for you to have...I feel like if more people knew how much it was costing, they would make more of an effort to get out and take advantage of it."
With less polling locations than she's used to, Boone says she doesn't mind paying for extra opportunities to make her voice be heard.
"I lived in Las Vegas for 17 years and you could vote anywhere. Grocery stores, libraries, and schools, and you had more places to vote. The larger the location, it's more convenient, but the natural consequence of having more places is the cost increase," Boone said.
