The two spoke at a campaign rally at the Cobb County Convention Center, where former state Sen. Jason Carter also appeared. More than 796,000 voters had cast ballots during the first week of early voting, according to figures cited at the rally, including ballots counted through 6 p.m. Saturday. Tuesday’s turnout exceeded the first day of early voting in Georgia’s 2022 midterm election.

“We need you to work,” Ossoff told the crowd. He described Georgia as a place where voters could help shape history and urged supporters to stay engaged in races up and down the ballot.

Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in the general election contest. She emphasized affordability and health care costs and argued that voters face a clear choice in the race.

The rally reflected Democrats’ effort to use strong early turnout to build support not only for Ossoff and Bottoms but also for candidates in other close contests, including races for statewide offices. Ossoff is seeking reelection to the Senate, where Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins is challenging him.

Early-voting totals show how many people have cast ballots so far, but do not determine which party or candidate is benefiting. The candidates’ appeals put the focus on whether supporters will continue showing up as Georgia’s campaigns enter the final stretch.