ATLANTA — With schools a popular polling place, many Georgia school districts are giving students a day off on Election Day this year.

Because of the number of people who will be on campus Nov. 4, some school officials have decided it’s easier and safer for students to stay home.

The Georgia Department of Education said 28 of the state’s 180 public school systems will be closed. Some will close for both students and teachers while others will be closed to students but teachers will have to report for training.

Some schools have long given students election day off while others are adopting the policy this year because of anticipated record turnout at the polls.

The Hall County school system will be closed on Nov. 4 for the general election, but Gainesville’s students will still have to attend classes.

Superintendent Will Schofield said the county system has historically closed its schools on the day of presidential elections since so many of the schools are dedicated polling places.

"It creates a logistical nightmare in years when you have a high turnout, and this would certainly be one of those years," Schofield said.

This year’s Nov. 4 closing was planned as part of the school calendar two years ago, the superintendent said.

Parents have been made aware of the closure through the school calendar, notes home from teachers and school newsletters, Schofield said.