Georgians head to polls to choose next president

The polls are open, and Election Day could lead to some long lines as people flock to their respective polling stations. Officials hope the popularity of early voting will keep the wait times down.

Close to 1.9 million Georgians took advantage of early voting; about 1/3 of the electorate. Those that mailed in their ballots numbered 200,000. The popularity of early voting could end up making life easier for those who waited until Tuesday to cast a ballot.

Despite the rainy weather, voters in Fulton County and Gwinnett County started forming lines at their polling stations before 6 a.m.

In Fulton County, officials say they are ready, and have added more voting machines in anticipation of a large tuout. Officials say they have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth voting process.

While Fulton County experienced long lines during the early voting period, officials say the lines weren't as long as other counties simply because they had more polling locations open.
   
In order to keep the lines shorter on Election Day, Sharon Mitchell, interim Director of Elections and Registration in Fulton County, says they've increased the ratio of voting machines from 1 for every 350 voters to 1 for every 200 voters.
   
She says while there were more than 152,000 people who voted early in Fulton County alone, she wants voters to know it might not shorten the lines.

"They need to know that there will be a line. There will be people in line. There are many people that like the Election Day experience, so they will wait until Election Day to cast their ballot. So they need to know that they need to bring their patience, [it] will make that process easy, enjoyable and efficient," said Mitchell.

Remember to bring your photo ID, such as a drivers' license, and check to make sure you're at the right polling precinct especially if you've moved since the last time you voted.

Polls opened at 7 a.m., and close at 7 p.m. You can find your polling location by clicking here.