COLUMBUS, Ga. — Former President Bill Clinton visited Columbus on Monday to rally support for the Harris campaign, focusing on galvanizing voters ahead of early voting set to begin.

He emphasized the importance of Georgia as a battleground state, reminding Georgians that every vote counts, especially with early voting starting on Tuesday.

He highlighted that Georgia is among the few states where the election results are genuinely unpredictable.

Throughout his visit, Clinton focused on reaching out to voters in rural areas of the state, voicing support for Kamala Harris, whom he called the most qualified candidate. “Everybody was in such good humor, I even had a guy with a MAGA hat ask to take a picture. It made me feel good that we had hope for the country,” Clinton said, reflecting on his interactions.

He underscored Harris’s support from former Trump officials and touted her economic policies, but more significantly, he delivered a strong message urging people to head to the polls as early voting opens.

Clinton drew contrasts between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump, underscoring the pivotal role Georgian votes could play in the election.

“You have to realize that the whole election could be decided here,” Clinton noted.

The atmosphere was lively, according to those present. Political analyst Bill Crane remarked that Clinton’s visit was aimed at boosting voter enthusiasm rather than converting new voters.

“He’s more about base turnout and getting people to energize to go knock on doors and get people to vote in this early voting period and less about persuadable,” Crane said.

Republicans plan a similar strategy in Georgia with Trump scheduled for another visit to energize his support base.

“There are seven states where the election is too close to call. We could win them all. And we can lose them all. And it depends on what you want to,” Clinton emphasized.

Former president and current Republican nominee Donald Trump will be in Georgia on Tuesday.

Harris will also be in Atlanta on Saturday, continuing the campaign trail.