Georgia voters will decide several high-profile races during Tuesday’s primary election.
Races include contests for governor, the Republican primary for U.S. Senate and Secretary of State races in both parties.
The Secretary of State’s Office reports more than 7.3 million Georgians are registered as active voters statewide. Data from the agency’s website shows more Democrats voted early than Republicans leading up to Election Day.
Political analysts and party leaders say turnout could play a major role in determining outcomes in several races across the state.
More than 1 million voters had cast their ballots by the end of early voting.
Republican political commentator Martha Zoller said GOP leaders are hoping to close the early voting gap on Election Day.
“We want to see a big turnout on Tuesday, so that we can even that number out because we know that it’s about a 50/50 state,” Zoller said.
Zoller also said Republicans are especially focused on down-ballot races.
“I’m concerned more about those down-ballot races more so than the ones at the top,” she said. “You want to make sure they go all the way to the bottom.”
Democratic strategist Melita Easters said both parties are working to protect current seats while trying to gain new ones.
“Each party wants to preserve the incumbents they have and flip seats wherever possible,” Easters said.
Easters, who runs the Georgia WIN List, said the election is especially significant because all four top constitutional offices are open this cycle.
“This is a very consequential election for Georgia because all four of the top constitutional offices are open this time and that hasn’t happened in almost 80 years,” she said.
The primary elections will help shape Georgia’s political landscape heading into the general election, with both Democrats and Republicans viewing the state as highly competitive.
Candidates selected Tuesday will move on to campaign in races that could have national political implications.
Polling sites will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Voters are being asked to double-check their polling site locations and look over a sample ballot before arriving to make sure they are prepared.
