Half a million Georgians have already voted in 2016 election

The first full week of advance, in-person voting in Georgia saw long lines across Metro Atlanta.

Now we know why.

Nearly 500,000 voters cast ballots in the state last week, in addition to the nearly 90,000 mail-in absentee ballots the state has received thus far.

Read more:

- Early voting off to a roaring start in Gwinnett

- 1,000 Cobb ballots cast in first 3 hours of early voting in Cobb

- DeKalb voters quickly cast ballots on first day of early voting

- High turnout in North Fulton on first day of early voting

According to Secretary of State Brian Kemp, 578,539 ballots have been cast as of today.

Fulton County continues to lead the way with nearly 80,000 votes cast. DeKalb is next with almost 46,000, followed by Cobb (32,000), Forsyth (20,000) and Gwinnett (19,000).

Each of Georgia's 159 counties have at least one early voting location open — often, it's the main elections office. Some, such as Fulton County, will have several sites available. Be aware, however, that your regular neighborhood polling place will likely not be open yet; often, local municipalities only open select sites during the state's 21-day early voting period.

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