ATLANTA — More than four million Georgians cast their ballots via early voting, according to the Georgia Secretary of State's office.
That's more than half of the registered voters across the state.
Emory University Political Scientist Andra Gillespie said she's expecting a high turnout relative to 2020 and 2016. And she believes the stark contrast between the candidates is giving voters a clear choice.
Brookhaven voter Yury said he hasn't voted.
"I wanted to vote on Friday, but I just get busy at work," she said.
Yury said he won't let his job be an obstacle on Election Day.
"I'm gonna be working, but at my work, I'm flexible," Yury said. "So, I can go, actually, any time I want."
Atlanta voter Dan Lichtman said he hasn't voted either. He plans to take advantage of the two hours he's allotted from his job.
"I'm gonna get off early from work," Lichtman said.
Lichtman said Election Day has been easier for him in the past.
"I voted early, and the lines have been pretty long," Lichtman said. "And when I actually voted on Election Day, it's usually just walking right up and voting."
Gillespie said she believes, either way, many voters boil it down to what's most convenient for them. And since so many people voted early, it may affect what the polls look like on Tuesday.
"It's going to be easier to process those voters on Election Day. Hopefully, what we're looking at is shorter wait times," Gillespie said.
She adds that there are still millions of voters who haven't cast their ballots.
"We haven't seen voter turnout keep up with the increased voter turnout in some congressional districts... actually in the metro Atlanta districts. So, in particular, districts 4, 5, 6, and 11 have had actually lower voter turnout in those congressional districts than in districts in the other parts of the state," she explained.
She feels advocates need to target those areas. Plus, she's noticed racial disparities.
"Whites were more likely than people of color groups to turn out to vote," Gillespie said. "So, to just sort of put this into context, we're looking at close to 60 percent of white, registered voters who have cast their ballots in this election. That number is closer to 50 percent for Asian American and African American voters in the state. And the numbers of Latino and Native American voters are lower. So, just to use African Americans as an example because it's the second largest voting block in the state, about a million African Americans have already voted in this election, but there are still a million more black voters who are registered, who could. So, that means that there are still a lot of people who need to turn out and vote."
Gillespie said what's important is for voters to have options.
"I think the big takeaway of the story is that Georgia voters like early voting. And the general assembly should not try to curtail early voting," Gillespie said.
She expects the polls to be busiest right at the beginning of the day, around lunchtime, and possibly close to when polls close. So, if you have the flexibility, avoid those times.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the general election.