Early voting is underway and the first week was smooth sailing according to Dawson County Board of Elections Chairwoman and Election Supervisor Glenda Ferguson.

"Everything is going smoothly," said Ferguson. "We haven't had long lines or anything."

Early voting began on Oct. 17, and has been taking place at the board of elections office on 96 Academy Ave. in downtown Dawsonville.

According to Ferguson, 2,487 voters participated in the first week of early voting, 889 more voters than the board counted in 2012.

Ferguson said the bigger numbers could indicate a higher voter turnout overall.

"In 2012 we had a countywide voter turnout of 77.6 percent," Ferguson said. "This year I'm projecting it will be 79 to 80 percent."

So far, most people have not had to wait longer than 10 minutes to vote. Ferguson attributes that to the board's preparations this year.

"We've added a second station to the first stage of voting, where voters have their ID scanned and sign their application," Ferguson said. "It has done what it's supposed to do and moved things along quicker."

Early voting will continue until Nov. 4. Early voters can vote weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the board of elections office only. The office will also be open on Oct. 29 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Voting will be held countywide on Nov. 8 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Residents must be registered and present a valid photo ID in order to vote.

Voters can check to see if they are registered or find out what precinct they are in by visiting the My Voter Page website at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov, said Ferguson.

"You put in a little bit of information, and it will tell you whether you are registered, where you will be voting and will show you a sample ballot," Ferguson said.

Voters can also call the board of elections at (706) 344-3640 with any questions.

For voters on the east side of the county, Ferguson said she is encouraging early voting.

"Because of construction in that area, we're telling people to avoid voting on Election Day if possible," she said.