ATLANTA — With Election Day approaching, both political parties are focused on one thing: getting their supporters to the polls.
Democrats gathered Monday to encourage Georgians to register before the Oct. 5 voter registration deadline, arguing voter turnout could play a major role in determining the outcome of several key races.
“We are one week from the deadline to register to vote,” said Charlie Bailey, chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia.
Bailey urged Democrats, independents and dissatisfied Republicans to make sure they are registered before the deadline.
“Our message to voters, whether Democrats, independents, disillusioned Republicans, is that the power is in your hands,” Bailey said.
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The push comes as some political observers point to turnout numbers from this year’s primary elections as a possible indicator of what could happen in November.
Bernard Fraga, a political science professor at Emory University, said Democratic participation was up during the primaries while Republican turnout declined by nearly 20%.
“I think one of the things we’re seeing right now nationally is generally high levels of enthusiasm by Democrats,” Fraga said.
He said if that trend continues and independent voters break toward Democratic candidates, Republicans could face challenges both in Georgia and nationwide.
“So I think many people are looking at that and saying there is a sign that Democratic enthusiasm and turnout might be up in November and the Republicans have some catching up to do,” Fraga said.
But Republicans reject the idea that lower primary turnout signals trouble in November.
Josh McKoon, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, pushed back in a statement.
“If the chair of the Georgia Democratic Party thinks his best path in November is Republicans staying home, he has already conceded he cannot beat a motivated Republican ticket on the merits,” McKoon said.
Meanwhile, voters Channel 2’s Richard Elliot spoke with in Tucker said they already plan to participate in the election.
“Yeah, I plan to get out and vote for the best candidate,” said voter Allen Darnell.
Another voter, Jessica Prince, said she doesn’t need extra motivation to cast a ballot.
“Do you feel more motivated to vote this year maybe than before?” she was asked.
“No, because I’m already motivated to vote,” Prince replied.
Officials are reminding Georgians that anyone who wants to vote in November must be registered by Oct. 5.
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