Former US President Jimmy Carter, 100, Casts Early Vote in Support of Kamala Harris

Former President Jimmy Carter has fulfilled his long-rumoured wish of living long enough to cast a vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

The 39th president, now 100 years old, submitted a mail-in ballot that his daughter-in-law, Becky Payne, dropped off Wednesday at the Sumter County Courthouse in Americus.

According to Carter’s son, Chip Carter, the former president had a good morning and felt satisfied after completing the voting process. While the Carter Center did not disclose the specifics of the vote due to the principle of a secret ballot, Chip confirmed that his father “absolutely” supported Harris, stating, “He’s never voted for a Republican in his life.”

Carter (pictured in 2023) celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this month. POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Earlier this year, Chip revealed that his father had confided in him that his goal was to live long enough to vote for Kamala Harris. Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, also highlighted his grandfather’s excitement about voting for Harris, saying she carries his legacy.

Carter, who celebrated his 100th birthday in October, has faced declining health since the death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, last November. Despite this, he made a rare public appearance on his birthday to watch a Navy flyover with his family.

If elected, Kamala Harris will be the first female president of the United States. Rob Schumacher / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Georgia, where early voting began Tuesday with over 300,000 ballots cast, remains a critical battleground state for the 2024 election. After supporting President Biden in 2020, the state will be crucial in determining the outcome of the upcoming presidential race.