The state of Georgia is witnessing a remarkable surge in early voting as residents prepare for the upcoming midterm primaries. The early voting period concludes on Friday, May 15, 2024, with a significant turnout that indicates strong public engagement. Election day is confirmed for Tuesday, May 19, with polling places open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Record Early Voting in Georgia
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger reported an historic turnout during the early voting phase. More than 35,000 ballots were submitted on the first day alone, April 27. Over the course of two weeks, early voting has attracted more than 800,000 participants, representing approximately 11% of the state’s active voter base, which totals over 7.3 million.
Demographic Insights
- Democrats: 451,901 early votes
- Republicans: 352,098 early votes
- Nonpartisan: 12,228 early votes
Significantly, early voting data indicates that women accounted for 57% of the votes cast. The majority of early voters are between the ages of 55 and 79. Furthermore, a demographic breakdown shows that White voters cast 430,677 ballots, while Black voters contributed 274,756 votes. Other minorities represented approximately 110,794 votes.
Key Races and Candidates
The upcoming primaries are highly competitive, featuring prominent races for both the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate positions. Among the eight Republican candidates are Brad Raffensperger, Burt Jones, and Rick Jackson. Raffensperger, the current Secretary of State, is noted for his third-place status in the polls.
On the Democratic side, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms currently leads with support ranging from 39% to 52%, depending on the polling sources. Other notable candidates include Michael Thurmond and Jason Esteves.
Potential for Runoffs
With several candidates vying for the top positions, both the Democratic and Republican primary elections could require runoffs if no candidate achieves a 50% majority. This scenario would lead to a second election on June 16, the day prior to the Georgia General Assembly’s special session.
Looking Ahead
The current electoral cycle may also signify the last under Georgia’s existing district maps and voting systems. Outgoing Governor Brian Kemp has called for a special legislative session this summer aimed at addressing voting technology and redistricting for the 2028 elections.
As voters continue to cast their ballots, the landscape of Georgia’s political scene remains dynamic, keeping both candidates and voters engaged as they move closer to decision day.
