Georgia sets new midterm voting record as early polls close

Georgia concluded early voting on Friday with more than 2.5 million ballots cast, a figure that exceeds any previous midterm election total. State officials confirmed the milestone in a report released from DeKalb County, marking the end of the pre-election voting period.

The surge in participation outpaced the 2.2 million in-person ballots recorded during the 2022 midterms. Most of the current total came from voters who visited polling stations directly. This increase occurred even though the state offered one fewer day for early voting than in the previous cycle. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger noted earlier in the week that turnout was running 5% to 7% higher than in 2022.

The composition of the ballots showed a shift in voter behavior. While in-person numbers climbed, mail-in absentee voting dropped by approximately half according to the Secretary of State's office. The decline in mailed ballots did not offset the growth in physical attendance, resulting in a higher overall total for the state.

Residents who did not vote during the early window must wait until Tuesday to participate in the election. Officials reminded voters that their early voting location may differ from their assigned Election Day polling place. Those casting a ballot on Tuesday were advised to verify their specific site and hours before heading to the polls.

The state's voting infrastructure handled the increased traffic as the deadline approached. The final tally stands as the highest recorded for a midterm election in Georgia's history. Election Day remains the final opportunity for eligible citizens to submit their ballots for this cycle.