Politics
Nearly 730,000 Georgians voted early by first Saturday of 2026 election season
Georgia’s first weekend early-voting day followed a record-setting opening, with nearly 730,000 ballots cast by noon Saturday. Voters cited busy schedules and concerns about affordability as reasons to make their choices early.
Nearly 730,000 Georgians had cast ballots by noon Saturday, Oct. 17, as early voting continued ahead of the Nov. 3 election, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s website. Saturday was the first weekend day available for in-person early voting this cycle, with races including the contest for governor on the ballot.
At the Buckhead Library in Atlanta, Frankie Fitch and Eddie Carter used the weekend option to vote. Fitch said weekday obligations made Saturday more convenient, and she enlisted a neighbor to join her.
The strong turnout follows a record opening day. More than 190,000 people voted in person on Oct. 13, the first day of early voting—over 53,000 more than on the first day of early voting in 2022, the Secretary of State’s Office said.
Audrey Lyons, an 18-year-old college freshman, voted for the first time Saturday. She said she researched candidates and focused on affordability, health care and the cost of groceries and gas. Lyons said friends’ concerns about prices and politics helped reinforce her view that voting is one way to respond to issues affecting daily life.
Fitch urged other residents to participate, saying every voter’s ballot matters.
Early voting runs through Oct. 30, with another Saturday voting day scheduled for Oct. 24. During early voting, voters may cast ballots at any polling place in their county. On Election Day, Nov. 3, they must vote at their assigned precinct.