May 25, 2013
ATLANTA (AP) -- Voters statewide will be able to cast their ballot for the first time on a Saturday for the 2012 primary election.
The Legislature moved this session to add Saturday to the early voting period, which was shortened from 45 days to 21. Early voting opened July 9 and ends July 27. Voters didn't have the option of voting any other Saturday before the July 31 election.
Under state law, polls must remain open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., but local elections officials can open earlier or close later.
Georgia Secretary of State spokesman Jared Thomas says early voting has been steady, and the Saturday voting option is meant to give voters a convenient alternative to get to the polls.
ATLANTA (AP) -- Atlanta's zoo is trying to help people beat the heat.
For the sweltering summer days, Zoo Atlanta is offering discounted admission to visitors who arrive early.
Starting Saturday and continuing through the end of August, guests who arrive before 10:30 a.m. will enjoy $5 off general admission for up to four guests.
Zoo Atlanta gives visitors the chance to get up close to more than 1,500 animals from around the world. Highlights include the nation's largest collection of western lowland gorillas, the nation's largest zoological collection of orangutans and a global center of excellence for the care and study of vanishing reptiles and amphibians. Keeper talks, interactive wildlife shows, education programs and special events run year-round.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham says the nation is starting to move toward a national vision for its ports that will have to handle a new generation of container ships that will be calling when the Panama Canal is enlarged.
He says a report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last month on the nation's port needs was a wakeup call for Congress. And he says the president in recent days took a significant step toward creating a national vision for ports.
The corps' report outlined what the nation's ports need to handle a new generation of container ships. The administration designated projects in five ports as nationally significant and promised federal studies on the work will be streamlined. Those projects include deepening work in both Charleston and Savannah.
