ATLANTA, Georgia — Georgia voters turned out in record numbers on the first day of early voting for the 2026 midterm elections, with more than 188,600 in-person ballots cast on October 13, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. The strong opening has drawn attention to the state’s closely watched Senate and gubernatorial contests ahead of Election Day on November 3. <Cite refs={[“turn648547search0″,”turn648547search4”]}/>
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger reported that 188,667 Georgians voted in person on opening day. That was 53,705 more than the 134,962 recorded on the first day of early voting in 2022, an increase of approximately 40 percent. The comparable opening-day total in 2018 was 70,849.
The state also reported 10,267 accepted absentee ballots, adding to the early participation total.
Raffensperger attributed the record turnout to public confidence in Georgia’s election administration and praised the county officials responsible for managing voting operations.
“This record-breaking turnout proves that voters have confidence in the integrity of our elections,” Raffensperger said in a statement released by his office. <Cite refs={[“turn595764view1”]}/>
Early Voting Momentum Continues
The opening-day record was followed by additional voting activity across the state. By before noon on October 20, Georgia had recorded 1,007,015 in-person early votes, according to a subsequent announcement from the Secretary of State’s Office. <Cite refs={[“turn595764view0”]}/>
The figures demonstrate substantial participation early in the election period, although turnout alone does not reveal which candidates or political parties will benefit. Voters’ choices remain confidential, and the results will depend on ballots cast across the full election period.
Georgia has become an important focus of national political attention, particularly because of its competitive statewide races and potential implications for congressional control.
Senate Race Draws National Attention
One of the most closely watched contests pits Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff against Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins.
Ossoff is seeking another term, while Collins is challenging the incumbent as Republicans attempt to gain the seat. The contest is part of the broader national battle for control of the U.S. Senate.
Georgia’s political competitiveness was underscored by the 2024 presidential election, when Donald Trump carried the state by roughly two percentage points. However, presidential results do not necessarily predict the outcome of a midterm Senate race, where candidates, turnout patterns and voter priorities may differ. <Cite refs={[“turn648547search6″,”turn648547search13”]}/>
Open Governor’s Race Adds to the Stakes
The gubernatorial contest is another major focus of the 2026 election. Republican businessman Rick Jackson is facing Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, for the opportunity to succeed Gov. Brian Kemp.
With Kemp leaving office, the race represents an open-seat contest that could shape the state’s policy direction on issues including taxes, education, public safety and economic development. The election will also determine which party controls the governor’s office for the next term. <Cite refs={[“turn648547search8″,”turn648547search11”]}/>
Voters will also decide other statewide and legislative races, including contests for lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and congressional representation.
Voting Continues Through October 30
Georgia’s early voting period for the November 3 general election runs from October 13 through October 30. Saturday voting is scheduled for October 24, and some counties may offer optional Sunday voting on October 25. Voting hours and locations vary by county. <Cite refs={[“turn648547search1″,”turn648547search7”]}/>
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 23. Voters can check their registration details, sample ballots and early voting locations through the state’s official My Voter Page.
The record-breaking opening marks a significant start to Georgia’s midterm election season. Whether the early surge translates into a higher overall turnout or changes the balance of power will become clearer as voting continues and results are counted after Election Day.
