05-08-2025
Could rain and school hit Dothan's voter turnout?
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — Tuesday, August 5, will be a busy day in the Circle City! Not only is it election day, but students will head back to class for the first day of learning within Dothan City Schools.
On top of that, WDHN forecasters predict widespread rain could hit Dothan and the surrounding area around 1:00 p.m., with the heaviest showers coming between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Houston County Probate Judge Patrick Davenport, a veteran of multiple elections, says that historically, rain impacts voter turnout negatively.
Studies show that bad and severe weather depresses voter turnout on election days, especially among young voters, while warmer temperatures lead to higher voter turnout.
WATCH: Dothan election debate
A study from the Frontiers in Psychology claims that every 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit increase in temperature leads to a 1.14% increase in turnout at the polls.
According to Davenport, dreary weather can also have an impact on the elderly or citizens who do not have independent modes of transportation, making it difficult to get to the polling places.
However, while the weather could knock voter turnout down, the first day of school could have an opposite effect.
While the first day could be the exception, Judge Davenport says that voter turnout tends to be on the high side when schools are in session, due to the structure that a school day brings to families.
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where is my Dothan polling place?
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