Georgia shattered its previous record for the most votes cast on the first day of early voting, with over 328,000 ballots submitted. Robert Sinners, a spokesperson for the Georgia Secretary of State, attributed this milestone to the state’s improved voting system, which has increased voter participation. Gabriel Sterling, Chief Operating Officer of the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, took to social media to celebrate the record-breaking turnout, stating that the state’s voting system has indeed improved, contrary to claims that it had become more restrictive.
The surge in early voting has sparked excitement among voters, particularly in Fulton County, which was at the center of former President Donald Trump’s claims of election fraud in the 2020 election. Despite the controversy surrounding the county’s election process, voters expressed confidence in the system, with many praising the state’s efforts to shore up election security.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ruled that the Georgia election results must be certified by November 12, one week after Election Day, following a lawsuit filed by the Georgia Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee. The state’s election board has been sued multiple times, including by former Republican state Representative Scot Turner and Chatham County election board member James Hall, who argued that the board had overstepped its authority.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, voters in Fulton County cast their ballots on the first day of early voting, with many expressing relief that the county’s election process has improved since 2020. Nikki Fortson, a retiree who has lived in Georgia for over four years, noted that the county’s election process was “loosey goosey” in the past, but has since become more secure.
In a rally in Atlanta, Trump urged his supporters to vote early, stating that “we can’t let anything happen” and that “early voting is underway.” However, his messaging on early voting has been inconsistent, with him previously calling it “ridiculous” and “stupid.” Despite this, many voters, including Fortson, prefer to vote early rather than wait in long lines on Election Day.
Overall, the record-breaking early voting turnout in Georgia has raised hopes for a smoother and more secure election process, despite ongoing legal challenges and controversy surrounding the state’s election board. As the election approaches, voters are eager to cast their ballots and have their voices heard.
