Early voting in Georgia has seen an unprecedented surge in turnout, with over 4 million ballots cast before Election Day. This high level of participation has led to predictions that polling places may be eerily quiet on Tuesday. More than half of the state's voters have already exercised their right to vote, setting the stage for a potentially subdued Election Day.
Gabe Sterling, the chief operating officer for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, remarked on the possibility of a 'ghost town' scenario at the polls, citing the contrast with the turnout during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The significant increase in early voting numbers reflects a growing trend across the nation, with several states, including battleground states, witnessing record-breaking early voting figures.
Former President Trump, who had previously criticized early and absentee voting, has shifted his stance and now encourages early voting. This change in messaging appears to have resonated with Republican voters, who have shown a strong turnout in early voting compared to previous elections where they predominantly voted on Election Day. While Republicans have also increased their absentee voting numbers, the rise is not as pronounced as their early voting figures.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger praised the success of the state's early voting period, attributing it to voters' trust in the electoral process. Raffensperger emphasized the progress made over the past four years in enhancing the voting system's integrity and resilience. He expressed confidence in the state's readiness for the upcoming election and reaffirmed the commitment to holding accountable those who seek to interfere with the electoral process.
