EDlection2018: Abrams Waits on Uncounted Ballots in Georgia Governor’s Race
EDlection2018: We have examined numerous races for the 2018 midterms that could potentially have an impact on state or federal education policies. Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to Newsletter and receive it directly in your email inbox.
More than 20 hours after the official closure of the polls in Georgia, progressive Democrat Stacey Abrams found herself trailing behind her Republican opponent Brian Kemp by 65,000 votes on Wednesday afternoon. However, Abrams made it clear that she would not concede the race for governor until all absentee and provisional ballots in the state were taken into account.
Abrams hopes that the additional ballots will bring down Kemps total below 50 percent, which would then trigger a required runoff according to state law when neither candidate reaches more than half of the votes. At present, Kemp is in the lead with a 50-49 advantage. The Associated Press reported that voter turnout for the race approached 95 percent of the states presidential vote in 2016.
While the race has gradually become tighter, it remains uncertain if there are sufficient uncounted votes to significantly impact Kemps lead.
Abrams, a former Georgia legislator aiming to become the first female African-American state leader in the nation, received substantial support from the national party and celebrities like Oprah and Will Ferrell. Their efforts aimed to mobilize poor and minority voters, following the successful model implemented by Democrat Doug Jones in defeating Judge Roy Moore in Alabama last year. On the other hand, Kemp received strong backing from President Donald Trump.
Throughout the campaign, Abrams placed emphasis on early education and increased funding for schools. Kemp, on the other hand, advocated for greater district-level autonomy. Their platforms differed from the agenda set by outgoing Governor Nathan Deal, who sought to consolidate control over schools but with varying degrees of success.
Furthermore, Kemp, who also serves as the Georgia secretary of state responsible for overseeing elections, has faced accusations of conflict of interest and voter suppression. Just last month, a federal judge ordered Georgia election officials to cease the rejection of absentee ballots based on signature mismatches. In addition, Tuesdays voting was marred by long lines and malfunctioning machines.
If necessary, a runoff election will take place on December 4.
EDlection2018: We have analyzed numerous races for the 2018 midterms that could potentially impact state or federal education policies. Stay informed by subscribing to Newsletter and receive headlines directly to your email inbox.
