Georgia Voters Begin Early Voting Across Statewide Races

Georgia voters began casting ballots Tuesday as early voting opened across the state, with residents lining up at locations including a library in Tucker to participate in races for governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide offices.

Early voting will continue through Oct. 30, and polling locations will remain open until 7 p.m. Tuesday and each early voting day, according to the broadcast report from Fox 5 Atlanta.

The governor's contest is among the major races on the ballot, with Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms campaigning in the Atlanta area before early voting began. The candidates have presented different plans on affordability, health care, education and housing.

Jackson has campaigned on cutting taxes, lowering costs and continuing the record of Gov. Brian Kemp, according to the report.

"We’re going to build on Brian Kemp’s legacy and take Georgia to the next level," said Rick Jackson.

Bottoms has focused on expanding access to health care, investing in education and making housing more affordable. She also urged voters to participate before Election Day.

"This is about encouraging people to show up and vote early," said Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Bottoms also cited the close margin in the 2018 governor’s race, saying an average of 21 votes per precinct separated the winner and loser.

Other statewide contests include races for lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, public service commissioner, state school superintendent, and agriculture, insurance and labor commissioner. A U.S. Senate race is also included on the ballot.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a midterm rally Friday at Dalton Municipal Airport. The Republican Party said the event will begin at 1:30 p.m., with Trump expected to speak around 3 p.m.