ATLANTA (AP) - Republican Mitt Romney has won Georgia, a state dominated by the GOP. He picks up its 16 electoral votes.

Early returns and exit polling show Romney defeating President Barack Obama in Georgia. Obama also failed to carry the state in 2008.

Romney had been a favorite to win in the state where Republicans hold every statewide office and have wide majorities in the Legislature.

The former Massachusetts governor placed second in Georgia's presidential primary in March, behind former Georgia Congressman and House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Gingrich later dropped out of the race.

Georgia was never considered a key state in the presidential contest. Both Romney and Obama raised money in Georgia, but neither candidate mounted a major campaign in the state.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It may not be the nicest way to say it but Danny Glover and his organization want people to shut up and vote.

On Sunday, Shut Up and Vote 2012 members in Macon canvassed neighborhoods to keep the election momentum alive. While President Obama and Governor Romney made final attempts to woo undecided voters, Glover and his group spent the weekend informing registered voters on where to go on Election Day.

"You kind of see a slump on Sunday," said Danny Glover with Shut Up and Vote 2012, "we want to make sure the message is alive."

In 2008, reports show that more young people voted than ever before. Glover's goal is to make sure that happens again. To learn more about Shut Up and Vote 2012, visit the website at www.shutupandvote2012.org.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) - The Twiggs County Commission Chairman's seat is up for grabs in this year's election. And Glen Christopher says, he should be the man for the job.

Christopher joined us in our Daybreak studio, to discuss why he's entering politics for the first time, and how he plans to represent the people of Twiggs County.

Christopher's opponent, Ken Fowler, was not able to make an interview, citing a scheduling conflict.