Early voting ends in Georgia with record turnout as parties chase young voters

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Early voting for Georgia’s primary election ended with record turnout, with more than 1 million ballots cast statewide heading into Election Day, according to the Georgia Secretary of State.

The high turnout put renewed focus on young voters, a bloc both parties see as pivotal in a competitive state.

Jonathan Santana, 18, voted for the first time on the same day he became eligible.

“It’s a really cool feeling to be able to express it within the government,” Santana said.

Santana said he expected long lines and confusion, but found the process quick.

“I feel cool. I feel awesome,” he said.

Khayla Doby, executive director of the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition, said young voters were motivated by high-stakes issues, including health care and civil rights.

“When politicians interfere in deeply personal medical decisions, the consequences are not abstract; they are life and death... Democracy is still worth fighting for,” she said.

Increased turnout does not necessarily translate into deeper political engagement, such as volunteering or publicly affiliating with campaigns.

Chaston Atkins, chairman of the Georgia Association of College Republicans and a University of Georgia student, said the current climate discourages many young people from participating beyond voting.

“The political climate is so toxic, people say, ‘I really don’t want to be involved in this. I think what’s really hurting is grassroots efforts... What you’re really getting a lot of is none of that. People do not want to be involved like that these days,” Atkins said.

Ben Taylor, a political analyst at Kennesaw State University, said social media helped drive turnout by spreading messages quickly.

“You do see the effect of social media, influencers emphasizing get out the vote efforts,” Taylor said.

The next test will be whether a surge among young voters holds through Election Day and into runoffs, and whether major fights — including possible redistricting efforts and a special legislative session — keep young Georgians engaged after the campaigns end.