By Amanda Cooper
The last week of early voting for the general election begins today, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger warns Georgia voters that they may face long lines.
During a press conference Monday morning at the state capitol, he added that 2.75 million people have already cast their votes, surpassing 2016 early voting numbers.
Ballots Cast as of 5 p.m. on October 26, 2020
Total Number of Ballots Cast: 2,946,405
Total Number of Early, In-Person Ballots Cast Today: 149,053
Total Number of Early, In-Person Ballots Cast: 1,945,817
Total Number of Absentee By Mail Ballots Cast: 1,000,588
Ballots Cast as of Close of Polls on October 30, 2016
Total Number of Ballots Cast: 1,333,167
Total Number of Early, In-Person Ballots Cast: 1,205,088
Total Number of Absentee By Mail Ballots Cast: 128,079
Percent Increases*:
Percentage Increase in Total Turnout to Date: 106.6%
Percentage Increase in Total Early, In-Person Turnout to Date: 48.9%
Percentage Increase in Absentee By Mail Ballots Accepted to Date: 649%
*Percentage Increases Compare Close of Polls Data for the 14th Day of Early Voting in 2020 and 2016
Raffensperger also predicts millions more will be voting, and he is encouraging people to return their absentee ballots. His request comes as thousands of Georgians have not returned their absentee ballots, which could add to the long lines for those who may show up at the polls to cast their votes. In preparation for the large turnout on election day, Raffensperger says some Counties are processing ballots now to have the ease of only pushing a button to count them on election day.
Early voting ends Oct 30, 2020, and the general election is November 3, 2020. Visit https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do to check your early voting and election day polling location and times and absentee ballot status.
Click here to watch the full press conference.