Record early voting in Georgia could mean earlier results on election night

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Record early voting turnout will most likely mean Georgians will get an earlier glimpse of election night outcomes – from school board to president.

More than 3.3 million Georgians have already cast ballots, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said that number will likely be closer to 4 million by the time early voting ends Friday evening.

Georgia is allowing pre-processing and scanning of early ballots cast in-person and absentee, dramatically shortening the lengthy process before Election Day.

“We look forward that by the end of the evening, every vote cast in that manner will be reported and put on the board,” Raffensperger said. “That will mean that 70-75% of all votes cast in Georgia will have been reported by 8 p.m. We think that is a good thing.”

Georgia law requires mandatory reporting of results by counties by 8 p.m. on election night, but the state has never been in a position to have this high percentage processed and ready before polls close.

Everything you need to know about voting in the 2024 election

Georgia is once again a crucial swing state and will likely be a deciding factor in who wins the White House. There are also many U.S. legislative and local races that will be decided by Georgia voters.

Here’s what you need to know:

“That puts us in a much better position on election night,” said Zach Manifold, Gwinnett County elections supervisor. “The Election Fay experience is so much smoother and that’s because 50, 60, 70% of those votes come in early. It just takes all the pressure off.”

Manifold reminds everyone that many counties, including Gwinnett, are opening their doors to voters and spectators while ballots are processed. People can watch it all happen in person at their election headquarters.

Many – especially Raffensperger – remember the fallout for election workers in the aftermath of the 2020 election. Raffensperger faced death threats and racked up $500,000 in legal fees fighting baseless lawsuits against him.

This year, some of Raffensperger’s allies started the Election Defense Fund, raising money for legal aid to help local clerks and election workers facing similar baseless legal action and harassment.

“They have been facing threats and I think it’s really exciting that people are doing their part and helping,” Manifold said. “We were lucky this year, it was nice and quiet. We hope this continues and we hope for a smooth election day, election night and after the election.”