Voters in Georgia are heading back to the polls on Tuesday to choose nominees for the U.S. House, state legislature, and decide the fate of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is leading the prosecution of former President Donald Trump in an election interference case. Willis faces challenger Christian Wise Smith in the Democratic primary, while Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee faces Robert Patillo in a nonpartisan race. The outcome of these elections could have significant implications for the state and the country.
Although Georgia does not have a governor’s race or Senate race on the ballot in 2024, the state’s 14 congressional districts are the focus of the primaries on Tuesday. The only open seat is in the 3rd Congressional District, held by retiring incumbent Drew Ferguson. Of the remaining 13 incumbents, 10 are running uncontested, while Democratic incumbents Lucy McBath and David Scott, and Republican incumbent Barry Loudermilk, face challengers in their respective primaries. These races are closely watched as the districts have undergone significant redistricting.
As the state primary election approaches, voters need to be aware of what’s on the ballot, including contested primaries for U.S. House, state Senate, state House, and Fulton County district attorney. General elections will also be held for state Supreme Court, state Court of Appeals, and Fulton County Superior Court judge. Georgia has open primaries, allowing voters to choose either party ballot, and the key county to watch is Fulton, which is split across five congressional districts and has a significant impact on statewide races.
In terms of voter turnout and advance voting, as of Thursday, there were more than 8 million registered voters in Georgia. Turnout in the 2022 primaries was around 11% in the Democratic primary and 17% in the Republican primary. A significant number of voters cast their ballots before election day, and as of Wednesday, over 350,000 ballots had already been cast in the state primary. Vote-counting typically concludes on election night, with results reported shortly after polls close.
The outcome of the primary elections in Georgia will set the stage for the November general election. The AP will continue its coverage of the 2024 election, providing updates and results as they become available. With important races at stake, Georgia voters will play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape moving forward. It is essential for voters to stay informed and engaged with the electoral process to ensure their voices are heard and their choices reflected in the elected officials who will represent them.
