Open for voting in party primaries for more than seven hours now, the polls in Hall County are still seeing a light voter turnout in many areas of the county.

Charlotte Sosebee-Hunter, who heads the elections office in Hall County, reported a minor problem with electrical service to a surge protector at the Community Services Center precinct earlier today. The problem was quickly resolved and there was no interruption of balloting.

"We haven't heard of any major issues," Sosebee-Hunter said.

Sosebee-Hunter said the turnout so far was lighter than she expected. Normally, when there is a large voter turnout, the elections office receives numerous calls from voters who are not sure if they are in the right voting location, Sosebee-Hunter said. Today, there have not been many calls, however.

"That tells me that it's very slow," she said.

Participation in early voting was also lower than normal, with 1,575 ballots cast by Friday, Sosebee-Hunter said.

"I thought with the contested races it would bring out a good many voters, but everyone seems to be really excited about voting in the presidential election in November," she said.

The polls will remain open until 7 p.m. as Republican voters decide local races for clerk of court, tax commissioner, probate judge and one seat on the county commission. Democratic voters will decide one seat on the county commission.

Times reporter Ashley Fielding contributed to this report.