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ALBANY, GA -- Citizens eager to vote for the local issues don’t have to wait until Nov. 8.

Early voting began on Monday in Dougherty County, and the elections office says they were happily surprised to see a steady stream of voters.

“We're anticipating a heavy turnout; that's what we'd like to see. We think that early voting sets the temperature for Election Day,” says Elections Supervisor Ginger Nickerson. “There are currently 50,000 registered voters in Albany, and we'd like to see all of them come out and vote.”

Early voting will continue through Nov. 4. The only early voting station is at the Government Center at 222 Pine Avenue in Downtown Albany.

On the ballot, voters can expect to vote on the Education Special Local Option Sales Tax renewal, the Sunday alcohol sale referendum for Albany citizens, the Albany mayoral race, and residents of Ward 2, Ward 4 and Ward 6 will vote for their commissioner.

To participate in early voting, visit the election office in room 220 of the Government Center between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Voters must bring a photo ID, military ID or VIC (issued by the election office for voting purposes only) and sign a short form.