Georgia is experiencing a surge in early voting for the 2024 election, with nearly 4 million ballots expected to be cast before Election Day. This increase in early voting has also been seen in other key swing states like North Carolina, as well as in states without major contests on the ballot. The trend of early voting has shifted among Republicans, who have traditionally preferred to vote on Election Day. However, supporters of former President Donald Trump are now responding to his emphasis on early voting, leading to a significant increase in Republican voter turnout during the early voting period.
As of now, about 64 million people have already cast their ballots in the 2024 election, surpassing one-third of the total number of votes cast in 2020. While early vote data provides basic demographic information and party affiliation, it does not indicate who will win the election. Campaigns strategically encourage early voting to secure the support of their most reliable backers, freeing up resources to target other voters on Election Day. Election officials have noted impressive early voting turnouts in states like North Carolina, where even regions affected by a recent hurricane have higher early in-person voter turnout percentages compared to 2020.
The Trump effect has been credited with contributing to the high early voter turnout in Georgia. Signs at Trump rallies and flyers have been urging Republicans to vote early, with many heeding the call. Democrats and Republicans in Georgia have cited convenience as a reason for early voting, as well as concerns about long lines and wait times on Election Day. State election officials predict that Election Day turnout may be lower than usual due to the significant number of early votes already cast. Despite concerns about voter suppression laws in Georgia, both parties are optimistic about their chances of winning the election.
Republicans are pleased with the high early voter turnout in heavily GOP counties, while Democrats express confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris expanding her coalition and securing a victory. The competition between the two parties is intense, with both sides maximizing efforts to push their supporters to the polls. The ongoing debates about election rules and legitimacy highlight the contentious nature of the 2024 election, with both Republicans and Democrats vying for electoral success. The outcome of the election remains uncertain, but early voting trends suggest a potentially historic turnout in Georgia and other key states.
