Oct 13, 2020 - Politics & Policy

In photos: Georgia reports record turnout as early in-person voting begins

Rebecca Falconer

Voters line up inside of State Farm Arena, Georgia's largest early voting location, for the first day of early voting in the general election on October 12 — Voters line up inside the State Farm Arena, Georgia's largest early voting location, for the first day of early voting in the general election in Atlanta on Monday. Photo: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images

There were long lines of voters into the night in Georgia, as officials reported a record 126,876 people cast their ballots after early in-person voting for the general election opened Monday.

The big picture: There were reports of some voting system technical glitches, but officials told the New York Times hours-long waits were mainly down to the large turnout, with many voters off work for Columbus Day in the battleground state — which President Trump won by 5 percentage points in 2016. Georgians are also casting their votes in two Senate races.

Tamara Ross waits in line on the first day of early voting for the general election at the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center on October 12, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia — Voters wait in line at the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center. A "record 7.6 million Georgians registered to vote," for this election, WABE reports.

People wait in line on the first day of early voting for the general election at the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center on October 12, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. — A socially distanced line at the recreation center. Early voting in Georgia runs until Oct. 30. Photo: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images

People stand in line on the first day of early voting for the general election at the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center on October 12, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. — A line at the center. A spokesperson for the Georgia Secretary of State's office told CNN the turnout is down to election "enthusiasm," stressing there are three weeks of early voting and that absentee ballots are an option. Photo: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images

Voters cast their ballots inside of State Farm Arena, Georgia's largest early voting location, for the first day of early voting in the general election on October 12, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. — Voters cast their ballots inside State Farm Arena. American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia executive director Andrea Young told the NYT, "People are very energized. Georgia this year is a place where your vote matters." Photo: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images

Go deeper: When and how to vote in all 50 states