Negative political ads frustrate Ga. voters – and more are on the way
ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Election Day is growing nearer. As the clock ticks down, the number of political ads ticks up.
AdImpact estimates total advertising spending in Georgia could reach $373 million.
In July, the campaigns had already spent $244 million.
Early voting in Georgia begins Tuesday for November election
We spoke with Executive Director for Richmond County Board of Elections Travis Doss who says some polling locations will change because of the damage from the storm.
Their Georgia data shows that the Harris Walz campaign is outspending the Trump Vance campaign by nearly $3 million.
Spending data reveals where they’re hoping to get undecided voters on their side. Democrats are spending more than Republicans in Atlanta, while Republicans are outspending Democrats in Augusta.
Georgia voters in both blue and red counties said they’ve made up their minds already and they’re tired of the consistent negative ads.
A look at the false information around Hurricanes Helene and Milton
The devastation around Hurricanes Helene and Milton has been complicated further by false and misleading information, much of it politically motivated.
“This is getting absurd. The American people cannot make a good choice if they’re being misled,” said Jeanie, a Forsyth County resident.
Negative campaign ads can cause voter fatigue. A 2023 Pew Research Center Survey found the majority of Americans feel exhausted or angry when thinking about politics.
Bill Clinton comes to Georgia to rally rural Black voters
Former President Bill Clinton urged churchgoers in Albany to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for the office he once held.
“I don’t think they are really talking about the issues that matter. It’s just like she’s an idiot, he’s an idiot. I just can’t wait for the election to be over,” said Terry Garbis in Forsyth County.
“They’re informative, sometimes,” said Subhogid Som in Gwinnett County.
Political scientist Ben Taylor said attack ads stick with voters longer, but negative ads can turn voters against the attackers themselves.
Trump, Harris are both planning visits to Georgia this week
As time ticks down to the Nov. 5 election, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are paying special attention to Georgia, a crucial swing state.
“Negative campaign ads play on some basic components of human psychology,” said Taylor.
Taylor points to polls remaining within the margin of error and said they aren’t a true predictor for the November election.
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