Early voting in state of Georgia breaks record

A record-breaking two million people cast early ballots in the US state of Georgia, an indication of high enthusiasm over Tuesday’s presidential election that could help Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

Some residents waited eight hours in chilly weather to cast their ballots during the week of early voting that ended late on Friday.

The turnout in Georgia surprised election officials who estimated that as many as 35 per cent of the state’s 5.7 million registered voters cast their ballots early, but they did not extend the period in which early voting was allowed.

Just over 20 per cent of the state voted early in 2004.

North Carolina and Florida, which also faced large early voting crowds, both extended their early voting hours.

State figures

Black Americans made up some 35 per cent of those who voted early in Georgia this year, according to state figures, and most are likely to have backed Obama, who would be the first black US president.

Obama, an Illinois senator, faces Republican Arizona Senator John McCain in the election to succeed President George W. Bush. Polls show Obama leading McCain nationally and in most of the battleground states where the race will be decided.

Of the 50 states, 34 allow early or in-person absentee voting. The turnout in Georgia mirrors increased participation elsewhere, with reports of long waits common across the country.

“I knew there would be a long line but I would rather spend an hour now rather than three on election day,” said Maria Dangerfield, who lined up to vote in Decatur, Georgia.

Georgia has been a Republican stronghold in recent presidential elections – Bush won it by almost 17 per cent in 2004 –but recent polling lists the state as a toss-up with McCain holding a 4 percent lead, according to the Real Clear Politics website.