Votes cast early set record in Georgia for presidential primaries; Hall County numbers already top 2012

Georgia voters have broken the record for the number of ballots cast during early voting for a Presidential Preference Primary. In addition, the number of early votes in Hall County has eclipsed the 2012 figures.

 

As of early afternoon Thursday, 276,704 ballots had been cast statewide. The previous record of 271,418 was set in 2008.

 

“These numbers show how excited Georgians are about the presidential race and the SEC Primary,” said Georgia Secretary of State of Brian Kemp. “This primary has given Georgians a greater voice in the process and they are taking advantage of it.”

 

Examining the numbers by party, 171,917 votes have been cast in the Republican Primary with 157,732 people having voted in person.  In the Democrat Primary, 104,499 ballots have been cast and 97,429 of those have been cast in person. There have also been 288 non-partisan ballots cast.

 

These large early numbers indicate there will also be a strong turnout on Tuesday compared to previous years. Turnout will also likely be affected by the many presidential candidates holding events in Georgia over the next five days.

 

Early in-person voting ends on Friday.  Georgians voting by mail are reminded to mail their ballots in time to reach their local elections office by Tuesday.  

 

Voters can view a sample ballot or find their voting precinct at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov or by using the “GA Votes” smartphone app. 

 

HALL COUNTY

 

Hall County Elections Director Charlotte Sosebee said Thursday afternoon that during the presidential primaries four years ago 3,125 voters took advance of early voting, adding there were also 637 absentee ballots returned.  In addition, Sosebee said, on election day itself that year 19,421 people voted. 

 

"As of close of business yesterday (Wednesday), there were 4,160 voters who have taken advantage of early/advance voting, 667 Democratic and 3,493 Republican.  We have received 449 absentee ballots as of (Thursday).  That is a total of 4,609 ballots...  I project a total of 1,800 more added by the end of the early/advance voting period on this coming Friday.  Absentee ballots can be received in the office up until 7:00 on Tuesday, either by mail or can be delivered to the office in person."