November 8 marks the midterm elections in the United States. But many Americans have already voted. In Georgia, for example, the battle for the post of governor is watched very closely. At a time of electoral disputes, the calling into question of the right to abortion and the control of firearms, this function becomes more than ever crucial in the control of a State.
With our special correspondent in Atlanta, Stefanie Schuler
As four years ago in Georgia, the Democratic candidate, the African-American Stacey Abrams faces the Republican Brian Kemp, candidate for his re-election. This is the second time an African-American has tried to run for governor.
In the conservative camp, Brian Kemp knows it: nothing is decided yet. In front of a few hundred people, who came to listen to him in a parking lot in north Atlanta, he boasts of his record during the Covid pandemic, reports. Georgia was the first state to come out of lockdown. ” We stayed open, you kept working. And the excess profits, we put them back in your wallet says Brian Kemp.
” I am Christian »
Susan, a mother of three, supports Brian Kemp because he signed a law banning abortion from the sixth week of pregnancy. ” Abortion should not be taken lightly. I am Christian. And I believe that’s not what Jesus wants “, she says.
The incumbent Republican governor is also hailed by conservative voters for easing gun control or, as Joy points out, refusing police reform. ” When I call 911, I am grateful that the police show up at my house! “says Joy.
Lisa Jenkins is very unhappy with the policies pursued by the Democrats at the federal level. These elections, believes this business leader, are like a referendum against Joe Biden. ” It’s like a presidential election. People are fed up with what is happening in the country, from inflation and rising food prices to crime. So people will vote massively. They want change now! says Liza Jenkins.
” The country is in a very bad state! »
In Georgia, many people have already voted. Some 2.5 million voters took part in the early voting and therefore more than a quarter of registered voters, a record. Georgia, a traditionally conservative southern state, could decide the majority in the Senate. And the mobilization of voters seems to be up to these political stakes, explains our special correspondent.
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I think the risk of post-electoral chaos is very serious
Anne Deysine, jurist specializing in the United States
In Sandy Springs, a small, wealthy town north of Atlanta, Ron and his wife come out of the cafeteria of a retirement home, transformed two weeks ago into an early polling station. For these conservative voters it is a question of saving America from democratic excesses. ” The country is in a very bad state: a high crime rate, open borders and inflation. Participation will be very important this year “, they assure.
Megane too was pushed to the polls by a sense of urgency. She voted for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, hoping she will reverse the ban on abortion from the sixth week of pregnancy. ” Our vote literally becomes vital here. Vital for our body and for our ability to decide for ourselves if we want to have an abortion for any reason “, she says.
Richard leaves the polling station in a rage. ” I was denied my right to vote. Because they couldn’t find my driver’s license in their computer system. Although my license is up to date and I own a home here, they won’t let me vote “, he curses.
After a tough political battle in Georgia, voters say they are all impatient. ” I can’t take these negative campaigns and the division that reigns any longer. It’s hard said a woman. ” I find the electoral cycle too long. All those campaign spots, those posters everywhere! I’m glad it’s over says Jackson.
Early voting in Georgia ends this Friday.
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Democrats point to Republican threats to welfare
A few days before the vote for the midterm elections in the United States, a campaign theme is put forward by the Democrats: that of social assistance and the threats of the Republicans on these programs, reports Guillaume Naudinour Washington correspondent.
A speech by Barack Obama at the end of last week circulated a lot on social networks. He explains to the young people of his audience that the Republicans want to attack the social and medical aid of their parents and their grandparents. With his particular charisma, the former president takes up an argument that Joe Biden has been using for weeks.
Florida Senator Rick Scott proposes to re-evaluate all federal spending programs every 5 years. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, one of the key states for the Senate majority, even offers to do so every year. For the Democratic leaders, there is a pure and simple risk of the disappearance of these social programs, even if the Republican leaders, in the Senate and the House of Representatives, have not adhered to these proposals.
On the other hand, the Republicans have largely campaigned on the overly spendthrift economic management of the White House for their taste and they intend to reduce spending. They are starting to talk about raising the level of contributions, or the minimum age for receiving social benefits.
They want to bring this into the budget negotiations they will have to have with Joe Biden if they regain a majority in Congress. And the president has already warned, he will veto any attempt in this direction.