Georgia votersturned out in record numbers on the first day of in-personearly voting for the 2026 midterm election, with more than 188,600 ballots cast statewide, according to the Georgia Secretary of State's Office.
That is more than 53,000 additional voters compared with the first day of early voting during the 2022 midterm election.
"This record-breaking turnout proves that voters have confidence in the integrity of our elections," Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said. "It's a testament to our strong election system overseen by 159 of the best county election officials in the country."
How does Georgia's 2026 early voting turnout compare with 2022?
The first-day turnout in 2026 was significantly higher than it was during the previous midterm election.
In 2022, 134,962 Georgians voted in person on the
first day of early voting.
That means 2026 saw a 40% increase in first-day in-person early voting compared with 2022, according to the Secretary of State's Office.
The difference between the two elections was more than 53,000 voters.
How does 2026 compare with Georgia's 2018 early voting turnout?
The increase is even larger compared with the 2018 midterm election.
In 2018, 70,849 Georgians voted in person on the first day of early voting.
The 2026 first-day total of 188,667 voters is more than twice the number recorded on the first day of early voting in 2018.
How many absentee ballots have been accepted?
In addition to the in-person early voting numbers, 10,267 absentee ballots had been accepted, according to the Secretary of State's Office.
Thepress releasedid not provide a comparison for accepted absentee ballots from previous midterm elections.
Where can Georgia voters find early voting locations?
Georgia voters can find early voting locations and hours in their county through theSecretary of State's My Voter Page.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: How many have already voted in Georgia? State shatters first-day record
