Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties are among the metro Atlanta areas driving turnout. In Fayette County, which political analyst Ben Taylor described as closely divided between the parties, the share of registered voters who had voted early was the highest in the metro area as of Monday.

Taylor, a Kennesaw State University political science associate professor, said the scale of participation distinguishes this election from 2022 and reflects both a competitive political environment and voters’ engagement. He said analysts will watch Fayette County as a possible bellwether while metro Atlanta continues to trend more Democratic.

The state’s early-voting data show the highest turnout among voters in their 50s through 70s. Women have voted in greater numbers than men, and White voters have cast the most ballots so far. Taylor cautioned that those figures do not settle the likely outcome: analysts must compare past voting patterns by county and demographic group, and final results will come on Election Day.

Voters interviewed in Fayette County cited convenience and the ability to avoid Election Day obstacles as reasons for casting ballots early. Several also pointed to the cost of living. Robert McKinney said economic pressures, including gas and food prices, made voting feel especially important; Sharon McKinney said people wanted to make their voices heard amid rising costs.

Taylor said demographic trends can offer clues but should be interpreted carefully. Black voters in Georgia have typically favored Democrats, he said, while older voters—particularly those who vote early—have historically leaned Republican. Georgia’s open primary system also allows voters to choose which party’s ballot to use, and early-voting totals alone do not show how individuals voted.

Early voting is scheduled to end Oct. 30. The turnout milestone puts a spotlight on access to the ballot and on the closely contested races that are motivating Georgians to vote before Election Day.