Georgia voters set early-voting record as midterm elections heat up
More than 180,000 Georgians voted on the first day of early voting, setting a record for a midterm election and exceeding the 2022 opening-day total by over 55,000. The turnout comes as campaigning intensifies ahead of the 3 November general election, including a contentious Senate race.
Early voting runs through 30 October. At their final debate, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff accused Republican challenger Mike Collins of failing to stop alleged neo-Nazi material shared by a relative in his home; Collins denied responsibility and accused Ossoff of fuelling threats against his family. The candidates also traded accusations over campaign donations and political endorsements.
- Georgia recorded more than 180,000 first-day early votes.
- Turnout beat the 2022 opening-day total by over 55,000.
- Ossoff and Collins clashed over alleged extremist material and campaign conduct.
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Georgia is a US state, and midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term. Voters choose representatives in Congress, including senators, who serve six-year terms and help make federal laws.
The Senate contest pits Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff against Republican Mike Collins. Georgia’s early-voting period lets people cast ballots before election day, which is 3 November; voting early does not change when the election results are decided.