GEORGIA RUN-OFF POLLS FOR SENATE SEEN

Republican Senator David Perdue and his Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff will head to a runoff in January after Perdue failed to receive at least 50% of the vote, according to an AP projection., Euronews reported.

In Georgia, candidates must receive 50% of the vote to be elected. If they don't, the race goes to a runoff.

The state's other Senate race between Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler and Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock is also heading to a runoff.

Both races will be closely watched because control of the Senate is crucial for passing legislation and confirming judges in the US.

Democrats already have control of the House of Representatives and if they win the Senate, they would be able to more easily pass laws with full control of both chambers of Congress.

The state of Georgia has played a surprisingly central role in the 2020 election.

Traditionally, the state has voted Republican. But this year, Democratic candidate Joe Biden won the state's 16 electoral votes.

Georgia's Secretary of State has said it will likely head to a recount after Biden overtook Trump's lead after winning votes from the state's more urban areas.

Many Democrats have credited former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams for registering new voters.

"We have seen progress being made. And I think absolutely we can not only deliver 16 Electoral College votes, we can deliver two U.S. Senate seats," Abrams said in October.

African-Americans make up more than 30% of the state's population and tend to vote Democratic.