(NewsNation) — A million voters have turned out in Georgia as of 11:50 a.m. on Friday, the fourth day of early voting in the critical battleground state.
Georgia Secretary of State Chief Operating Officer Gabriel Sterling announced the milestone on X, celebrating record turnout in the state.
He recently told NewsNation that while there are lines at polling places, they are moving fast and the secretary of state’s office is committed to ensuring fair elections and being transparent with voters.
There are more than seven million registered voters in the state, where more than five million ballots were cast in the 2020 election.
President Joe Biden’s narrow victory in the state was critical to winning the White House. It has also been a focus for those who maintain, without evidence, that the 2020 election was stolen.
In 2024, Georgia is once again expected to play a major role in deciding the next president. Both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have focused campaign efforts in the state and there have already been conflicts over election procedures.
Republicans have challenged thousands of voters on the rolls and a judge recently blocked Republican-led efforts to require hand-counting of ballots and allow local election officials to delay certifying results.
Trump is also facing racketeering charges in the state, related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.