Counting down to the general election - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

More than one million voters turned out for early voting across the state of Georgia before the general election tomorrow.

Here in Columbus, they are prepping for thousands to cast their vote on Tuesday.

News Leader 9's Mackenzie Zaragoza explains what you need to know before you vote and breaks down how the candidates are doing.

"I thought I was going to avoid the crowds, but I didn't," said voter Margerie Prast.

Prast joined the more than 37,000 people in Columbus who turned out for early voting over the last three weeks.

"If you think you've got a chance to decide the future then you should do it," Prast said.

The race to the White House between President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney has been tight. The latest CNN Poll shows the President just ahead with 49 percent and Romney with 48 percent, and the razor-thin difference has some voters sitting on the edge of their seats.

"I don't think it could be more exciting," said voter Steve Frantum. "This is a really big election, and I can't wait until tomorrow."

Political expert David Lanoue with Columbus State University said people also need to pay attention to state polls.

"It's really the state polls that matter because you don't win by winning the national popular vote," Lanoue said. "You win by winning electoral votes in the state."

He said the polls show President Obama with a slight edge in some key states.

"Ohio, Virginia, Iowa, Nevada, and if he wins all of those states and maybe Florida too then he will be re-elected," Lanoue said.

But, he said because it is such a tight race, the candidates are pushing for voter support.

"It's all about getting your people excited and energized and ready to go to the polls tomorrow," said Lanoue.

Early voter Denise Frantum also encourages others to get out and vote tomorrow.

"It's how you feel and what you believe in. So, you should get out and vote and make that decision."

Both candidates have been making last-minute campaign stops just hours before people head to the polls.

President Obama is rallying with voters in Midwestern states while former Governor Romney is making stops in four swing states including Ohio and Florida.

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