GEORGIA, — As Georgians head to the polls for Election Day 2024, officials anticipate reporting results by the end of the night, mainly due to a smooth voting process and early voting turnout according to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger at a news conference on Tuesday.
Over 4 million ballots were cast during early voting, with more than half of Georgia’s 7.2 million registered voters already participating. An additional 1 million votes are expected by the time polls close, marking another significant turnout for the Peach State.
Raffensperger, speaking at a news conference, emphasized efforts to enhance voter security and speed in reporting. Raffensperger noted that voters have experienced short wait times, with average check-in times under a minute.
"It’s been smooth sailing by and large," he said. “Average line time in Georgia right now is two minutes."
According to Senate Bill 189, which mandates reporting early and absentee ballots within one hour after polls close at 7 p.m., nearly all early votes should be in by 8 p.m., Raffensperger said. Smaller counties aim to finalize counts by 10:30 p.m., positioning Georgia to have a clearer election outcome than in past cycles.
Though the election has progressed smoothly, some residents reported confusion over polling location changes, an issue Raffensperger said his team had not observed widely. Additionally, Cobb County voters who received absentee ballots late can vote in person if they nullify them at precincts by 7 p.m.
Raffensperger also addressed minor security concerns, including one threat linked to Russian-origin cyber activity, but he emphasized that these were under control.
"They're up to mischief," he said. They don't want us to have a smooth, fair, and accurate election. They think they can get us to fight among ourselves."
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Polls remain open until 7 p.m.
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