Registered voters in Floyd County now have a choice of two locations to cast early ballots in the July 20 primary election.

The elections department is opening a second general precinct today, at the Rome Civic Center on Jackson Hill.

Voters may use the electronic touch-screen machines there or at the elections office in the County Administration Building, 12 E. Fourth Ave., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Friday.

A picture ID is required for in-person voting.

Elections Supervisor Evon Billups said the votes remain on sealed memory cards that are counted with the others after the polls close on election day.

While Georgia voters don’t register by party, they must choose either the Republican or Democratic ballot for the primary.

The election will determine party nominees for a host of federal, state and local races in the Nov. 2 general election. Voters may pick any candidate on the ballot in November.

All precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 20.

Voters may check the My Voter Page on the secretary of state’s website, www.sos.georgia.gov, to see sample ballots and verify their registration status.

Billups said so far, turnout has been low.

“We started advance voting 45 days before the election and we haven’t even had 500 come in yet,” she said. “Even the mail-outs are low.”

Those hoping to cast ballots by mail are advised by Pete McDonald, Floyd County Election Board chairman, to send them in before July 16. To be counted, the ballots must be received at the elections office by election day.