In a move that fell in line with expectations, Mitt Romney was projected to win Georgia’s 16 electoral votes on Tuesday, defeating Democrat Barack Obama.
In the 2008 presidential election, the state voted for the Republican candidate, and since the 1990s has voted for the overall winner of the presidential race 3 out of 5 times.
Romney and Obama did not campaign aggressively in Georgia and spent more time visiting the Peach State to raise money. The state has been a Republican stronghold in recent presidential elections.
The economy was a key issue for many voters in Georgia state, which has had a higher than average unemployment rate.
Turnout was strong in Georgia and early voting was almost as popular this year as four years ago.
Statewide, nearly 1.9 million people voted early. In 2008, there were a little more than 2 million early ballots cast. And on Tuesday, many polling places reported steady or heavy turnout despite chilly, rainy weather as the polls opened.
At Kennesaw Elementary School, Charyl Stevenson voted for Mitt Romney.
"I'm ready for some change. Hopefully that's what's gonna happen in the next four years if he's elected," Stevenson said. "If not, I'm gonna pray real hard that Obama is gonna do something different because more of the same is not working."
At Towne Lake Community Church in Woodstock, Ken McGhee was eager to cast his ballot for Romney on Tuesday afternoon. "I think this is the true change we need to believe in," McGhee said.
In 2008, Georgia voters went for John McCain over Obama by 52.2% to 47%.
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