Young voters’ turnout more than doubles in Georgia election

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Polling places in Tuesday’s Georgia midterm reported a heavy turnout of voters ages 18 to 29, creating record numbers.

More than 200,000 voters in that age group cast their ballots early. In 2018, only 87,000 voters in that group voted.

Students said they were encouraged to vote because they knew races could be tight.

MORE GEORGIA ELECTION COVERAGE:

• Kemp re-elected in rematch against Abrams for Georgia governor
• Young Georgia voters turnout in election doubles in numbers than in 2018
• Rick Allen fends off challenge to hang onto U.S. House seat
• Republicans sweep Georgia state offices, retain Legislature

“I just turned 18, my friend group just turned 18, we are all new to this,” student Kushal Dudipa said.

Pranati Yadpalli said she went to vote with her parents on the first day of absentee voting.

“I do think voting makes a difference because your voice is heard,” she said.

“Nearly 220,000 Georgia voters between the age of 18 and 29 have cast their ballots already in before election day; compare that to 87,000 total voter in that age category in 2018, that’s more than double and could get to triple by election day,” said Charles Bullockm a political science professor at the University of Georgia.

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