Is early voting a good thing or bad thing? It’s hard to say, but we know for sure that people are voting differently than they used to. That’s especially true in Georgia, where a record number of ballots have already been cast…weeks before the election is due to take place.
At a glance:
- Georgia saw a record-breaking turnout on the first day of early voting, with over 328,000 ballots cast, surpassing the previous record of 136,000 from 2020.
- New election rules in Georgia have faced legal challenges, with concerns over absentee ballots, drop boxes, and election certification procedures.
- Georgia continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, but officials say absentee voting and election procedures have not been impacted.
A record number of early votes were cast in Georgia on Tuesday as voters flocked to the polls in the battleground state. According to Gabe Sterling, a top official from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, over 328,000 votes had been cast by the end of the first day, breaking the previous record of 136,000 set in 2020. This surge in early voting marks a significant moment in a state that has become crucial to both Republicans and Democrats in the 2024 election.
The state of Georgia has been under close scrutiny this election cycle due to new election laws passed by the Republican-controlled State Election Board. These changes, which include stricter rules for absentee ballots and a reduction in the availability of drop boxes, have sparked multiple lawsuits, many of which remain unresolved. Critics argue that these changes could lead to post-election chaos, while supporters of the new rules believe they are necessary for election integrity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia2jvzep9WY
Despite concerns, voters reported a smoother process in some areas, with shorter wait times and more efficient operations. Corine Canada, a voter from the Atlanta area, noted that her experience was much improved from the last election, where long lines and limited staff discouraged some from voting.
Georgia is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck the state and several others in the Southeast last month. Despite the storm, election officials say that absentee ballots have been sent out as scheduled and that there have been no delays in the voting process. According to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, over 250,000 voters have already requested absentee ballots, and that number is expected to rise to around 300,000.
As early voting continues, Georgia is poised to remain a critical battleground state, with high turnout and legal challenges shaping the path to Election Day.
