GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — Early voting continues to break records across Georgia, with more than 2 million residents casting their ballots ahead of next week’s midterm elections.
According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, 2,000,452 people had voted early in person as of Tuesday afternoon, marking a 22% increase compared to the same point during the 2022 midterm elections.
More than 97,000 absentee ballots have also been returned and accepted statewide.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says the turnout reflects confidence in Georgia’s election process.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve done here in Georgia because it is accessible, but also it is secure,” Raffensperger said.
Gwinnett County is among the metro Atlanta communities reporting record turnout, with approximately 156,000 residents already casting their ballots. That represents nearly 25% of the county’s voters.
“It’s record breaking for this midterm,” said Kelvin Williams, Gwinnett County’s acting elections supervisor.
In addition to federal and state races, Gwinnett County voters will decide a special election involving a proposed expansion of a $2,000 school district homestead exemption.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice will have monitors at some polling locations in Gwinnett County and other metro Atlanta counties on Election Day.
Williams says the presence of federal monitors is not new and should not disrupt voting.
“They’re not interfering with the voting processes and any inquiries regarding the operation will be reported directly to the election supervisor,” Williams said.
With Election Day approaching, Williams is encouraging residents to review their ballots before heading to the polls.
“Make a plan, ensure that voters have had the opportunity to review the sample ballot to determine what’s actually on the ballot and to make their selections before arriving at the polling location,” Williams said.
Early voting in Georgia continues through Friday, Oct. 30, ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons, Keith Cromwell, and Michelle Wright contributed to this story.
