Former President Jimmy Carter, now 100 years old and in hospice care, has cast his vote.
He mailed his ballot, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, to Sumter County Courthouse on October 16, 2024, New York Post reported.
The historic vote was delivered on behalf of the oldest living U.S. President by his daughter-in-law, Becky Payne. This act demonstrated his longstanding commitment to the Democratic Party, particularly in the current electoral cycle where Georgia plays a crucial battleground state.
Jimmy Carter's political leanings have never wavered, according to his son, Chip Carter. Although The Carter Center respected the privacy of the individual vote, Chip Carter openly expressed that his father "absolutely" supported Harris and emphasized that Jimmy Carter never endorsed a Republican candidate throughout his lifetime.
The family has often highlighted Carter's wish to live long enough to vote for Harris. This desire was publicly voiced by his grandson Jason Carter during the Democratic National Convention in August 2024, marking one of the many instances the family has affirmed his political allegiances.
"He was excited, and so were we; it was a significant moment for him to take this step," Chip Carter said, reflecting the personal importance of this election for his father.
Jimmy Carter, whose health sharply declined after the death of his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, last November, has shown resilience in his final months.
Both physical frailty and unwavering determination characterized the former president's commitment to seeing this election through. Just a few days before voting, he celebrated his 100th birthday with family and community, including a special flyover tribute.
Jimmy Carter has been under hospice care since February 2023 following several years of health challenges. His involvement in this election cycle, despite his physical limitations, underlines a powerful narrative of dedication to civic duty and democratic ideals. Carter's familial connections emerged strongly during this period, with concerted efforts by his extended family to support his wish to participate in the vote. This network of support highlights the family's commitment to his enduring political beliefs.
Early voting in Georgia began on October 15, 2024, and saw significant turnout with over 300,000 ballots cast on the first day alone. The state's role in the national political arena continues to grow, underscored by high-profile voters like Carter taking part amid this energized electoral atmosphere.
The deadline for mail-in ballots adds a layer of urgency to the ongoing political battles in the state, making each vote particularly poignant. Chip Carter reinforced this narrative by reminiscing about his father's fervent support for Harris. He recalled a poignant assertion from his father aimed at reaching this important moment: "I’m only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris."
The recent surge in voter turnout in Georgia lies parallel to Carter's story, signaling an election of potentially transformative significance for the state and the nation.
Former President Jimmy Carter's commitment to voting in this election cycle serves as a touching illustrating of lifelong dedication to democratic values and personal convictions. Despite the challenges posed by his health and the loss of his beloved wife, Carter remained politically active, ensuring his influence and legacy would linger through another election. His family's support and his staunch Democratic stance permeate his final actions, marking a poignant chapter in the closing of his monumental public life.
