By Matt Underwood 
There have been 3.2 million votes cast thus far, according to election data from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. Raffensperger, both he and Sterling are Republicans, said this is going to be a “tight election” but “it’s going to be a close election in all battleground states” so Georgia voters should expect a long Super Tuesday night. The early voting period ends on Friday, November 1, and with a 45% statewide turnout, there has been a record number of votes cast in Georgia, a crucial battleground state for United States Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. As to be expected, the majority of the votes come from metro Atlanta where the majority of the state’s voters reside, but there have also been record-breaking turnouts in smaller and mid-sized counties up and down the state.
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Georgia’s early voting period has revealed something remarkable: a record number of Black voters have turned out to cast their ballots. As someone who deeply cares about the democratic process, this surge is a source of hope and pride. Nearly 873,000 Black Georgians participated in early voting, a staggering number that underscores not just the importance of this election but the resilience and determination of the state’s Black community.
The sheer volume of early votes isn’t just a statistic; it tells a story. Comparing this year’s numbers to previous elections, the growth is astonishing. In the first 16 days of early voting in 2016, only 1.3 million voters cast their ballots, while that number climbed to 2.1 million in 2020. Now, over 3.2 million votes have already been cast, indicating that there is a palpable energy driving people to the polls, especially in minority communities.
Metro Atlanta has traditionally been the heart of Georgia’s voting strength, but it’s heartening to see that this enthusiasm is not limited to just the urban centers. Record-breaking turnout has been reported in smaller and mid-sized counties as well, highlighting a wave of engagement that spans across the state. This isn’t merely a number; it reflects countless conversations, mobilizations, and community efforts aimed at securing the right to vote.
For me, this accomplishment feels especially poignant amidst ongoing challenges to voting rights. Many Black voters have faced considerable barriers in Georgia, from prolonged waits at polling stations to legislative measures ostensibly designed to make voting more difficult. The surge in early voting is a collective response that expresses a refusal to be deterred. It mirrors a broader struggle for equity and justice that has long been a part of our national fabric.
Being from a community that values civic engagement, I can’t help but appreciate the importance of this turnout for Black women in particular. They have often been the backbone of electoral movements, showing up at the polls in greater numbers and leading community organizing efforts. The increase in Black voters, especially women, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to shaping the future. It gives me hope that more people recognize the power of their vote, understanding that the stakes have never been higher.
Every voter who participated in early voting has played a critical role in demonstrating what it means to be engaged in the democratic process. It’s not just about casting a ballot; it’s an assertion of voice, a declaration that they refuse to be marginalized. I think about the many friends and family members who participated, the conversations we’ve had, the efforts made to ensure that every voice is heard, and the solidarity that grows every time someone steps up to vote.
As I reflect on this moment, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of optimism. The challenges faced by Black voters in Georgia are significant, but this record turnout signals a turning tide. It illustrates a community that is ready to stand up, speak out, and make their preferences known. It is a reminder of the power of collective action and serves as an encouraging sign as we move closer to Election Day. I believe we are witnessing a pivotal moment in Georgia that could shape not just the state, but the entire nation. This is an essential step toward ensuring that everyone’s voice is not just heard, but counted.