Georgians Continue to Come out in Record Numbers for Early Voting

ATLANTA — Georgia has had record turnout for the midterm elections in the first four days of the early voting period, which began Monday, topping the numbers seen in the last midterm as well as presidential elections. 

Early voting for all of Georgia’s registered voters began Monday and will run through 5 p.m., Nov. 4.  In the first four days of early voting, 519, 372 Georgians had cast their ballots early in-person, a 53% increase in turnout over the first four days of early voting in the 2018 midterm cycle, according to data from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. 

In Georgia, every county participates in the early voting process, but hours and days can vary by county. Voters can look up their county information through the state’s “My Voter Page” at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.

“I am so proud to see so many of my fellow Georgians follow through on their plans to vote early,” said Aunna Dennis, Common Cause Georgia’s executive director. “Early voting makes it easier for hardworking voters, from busy single parents and college students with less-reliable transportation to our first responders, be able to show up for our democracy with their votes.”

Georgia, unlike 23 states and Washington D.C, does not allow same-day voter registration during the early voting period despite data that has shown it increases participation rates. That means only already registered voters can take part in the Nov. 8 election. 

Registered voters also request their absentee ballot online, and either mail their ballot to their county election office or  drop it off at designated drop boxes located at early voting or county election offices.

Voters who have questions or problems can contact the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE. 

Common Cause Georgia is also joining other voting rights groups in hosting “self-help stations” around the state between now and Election Day. The stations provide voters with internet, computer, printer and scanner access to aid voters looking to request absentee ballots, print up sample ballots, or research information about polling stations or early voting sites.  

Common Cause Georgia will hold “Voter Help Stations” at two upcoming events this weekend.

• “Are you ready to vote Community Rally,” 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Henry County Performing Arts Center, 37 Lemon St., McDonough, Ga.
• “Vote in My Honor Fall Festival,” 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22 at Daffin Park, 1301 East Victory Drive, Savannah, Ga.

For more information on early voting in Georgia, click here.