The Scoop: Georgia voters surpassed the day two 2020 Presidential Election record for early voting.
By The Numbers: As of Wednesday morning, just over 268,000 Georgia voters have cast their ballot during in-person early voting, with 134,005 showing up on Tuesday, Oct. 18. Tuesday’s total marks a 75.3% increase from day two of 2018 midterm early voting, and an astounding 3.3% increase over the second day of early voting in the 2020 Presidential Election.
Why it matters: Midterm elections typically do not garner as much attention as presidential elections. The fact that early voting numbers for day two have surpassed the same time during the presidential election cycle shows how engaged voters are, and how big this election could potentially be.
Record voting both days: Georgia has had record early voting turnout since the first day of early voting this year, surging to nearly twice the number on the first day of early voting in 2018. Yesterday’s total marks the first time 2022 early voting surpassed the Presidential Election totals.
How are the lines?: According to the Secretary of State’s office, reports of long lines were rare, with some lines in the metro areas being reported. No substantial delays were reported yesterday. Early voting turnout is expected to increase during the last week of early voting.
All counties will have mandatory Saturday voting this coming Saturday. To find early voting locations and hours in your county, visit the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.
Turnout Numbers Through 10/18/2022
Total Turnout: 291,740
Early In-Person: 268,050
Absentee: 23,690
New Turnout Since Previous Day: 145,936
Early In-Person Since Previous Day: 134,005
Absentee Since Previous Day: 11,931
Turnout Through Same Day in 2020:
Early In-Person: 266,403
Turnout Through Same Day in 2018:
Early In-Person: 147,289
The Last Word: “We’re extremely pleased that so many Georgians are able to cast their votes, in record numbers and without any reports of substantial delays,” said Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “This is a testament to the hard work of Georgia’s election workers, the professionals who keep our elections convenient and secure.”