Democrats Make Final Push in Athens Ahead of Election Day

College Square in Athens traded football anticipation for a final election push on Monday, just hours before Election Day. Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democratic nominee for governor, visited Athens as part of her statewide campaign push.

“You know, I’ve got a lot of love for y’all, Dawgs,” Bottoms said at the start of her speech to the crowd.

Alongside her were some of the prime Democratic candidates for this election cycle: Ray Smith, Eric Gisler and Pamela Delancy. Each candidate spoke briefly about the importance of the “blue wave” in Georgia.

“Republicans have stood in the way for two decades,” said Smith. “This is our chance to make a difference for every single Georgian. The ones that are struggling everyday to make ends meet. The ones that can’t pay their hospital bills or put food on the table for their kids. We know the work that needs to be done.”

The rally began around noon, with crowds gathering to cheer and live music filling the downtown area.

Pamela Delancy, a candidate for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, addressed the crowd and the importance of casting a ballot.

“I am telling you that everyone has a voice. Your voice is your power, and if you do not use your vote, you are voting for the other side,” said Delancy.

The final campaign push in Athens serves as an example of local and state-wide political unity, and the importance of continuing to work through Election Day.

Tomorrow night is not the end. Tomorrow is the beginning,” Gisler said.

“We’re going to start changing some things in this state.”

Early voting in Georgia ended on Oct. 30, with record numbers, specifically among younger voters. Regular polling places close today at 7 p.m.