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If the election fever was a bit low-key at the Dunbar Neighborhood Center voting center in Atlanta, the anticipation about what it could mean was palpable.
The steady stream of voters under the winter sun were the protagonists of a drama that could signal a major shift in American politics.
If Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock can topple Republicans David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, the party will take effective control of the United States Senate.
Democrat Jon Ossof speaks to reporters as the vote takes place
In Georgia, a place that was once so reliable Republican red, but that turned blue for Joe Biden In November, it will have completed a remarkable political shift.
Ossoff came to greet voters at the Dunbar Center, but had to abandon his attempts due to the crush of news crews. It is a measure of interest in this second round.
The 33-year-old documentary maker, who would be the youngest US senator for 40 years, told Sky News: “We are on the cusp of a historic victory in Georgia. We are on the cusp of delivering for the people of Georgia and the American people.” .
In big cities like Atlanta, the Democratic push to increase turnout among a younger and more diverse electorate has paid off. The mood of change was reflected by the voters.
Shanna Green said, “For everyone in my life, it’s about moving on for happier times, not necessarily getting back to normal because normal wasn’t the best before, but I hope to move to a better place.”
Another voter, Tiffany Lay, said, “All the riots and the pickets and everything about the police force, all of that played a big part in Georgia going blue.”
If Georgia votes Democrats in the second round of the Senate, it will be a major shift in American politics.
Voter Leonard Cherry no doubt spoke for many Americans, saying, “The purpose for me was to vote so that now we can put aside our differences and come together as a nation.
“If we have the right people in charge with the right temperament, we could get back together. But it’s not something that happens overnight.”
But much of Georgia remains staunchly Republican, and that means a Democrats’ victory, which polls show is possible, would be especially significant.
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The tension Republicans have faced over whether to line up too close to a defeated Donald Trump has been a factor in this campaign.
His complaints about the electoral process, including during a rally in Georgia on Monday, have done little to excite the voters that Republicans need.
The electoral fever may have been low-key, but the anticipation was palpable
Political strategist Fred Hicks said: “The Republicans are looking at it and they say that November 3 was a reprimand of Donald Trump, but we as Republicans got it right.
“If this election goes in favor of the Democrats, even with a single seat, that’s a big statement and a big problem for the Republicans.”
