In the historic presidential election of 2008, Americans chose a candidate who promised “hope and change.”

Even if the hope has faded a bit, voters decided Tuesday they aren’t ready for a change in the White House.

Thus, President Barack Obama was re-elected to another four-year term, defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney in a tight race.

As of 11:20 p.m., Obama had 275 electoral votes, above the 270 needed to win, though Romney held a slight lead in the popular vote, 50 percent to 49 percent.

Georgia again chose for the GOP candidate, giving Romney 56 percent of the vote. Hall County did the same, with a 77-21 percentage split for the Republican.

Obama, 51, and Vice President Joe Biden will be sworn in for a second term in January.

But though Obama gets a second term, he will again face opposition from a split Congress: Though Democrats held a majority the Senate, Republicans will regain control of the U.S. House.

That House will include a new GOP member from Georgia’s new 9th District. Former state Rep. Doug Collins, a Gainesville lawyer, was elected to that seat, defeating Democrat Jody Cooley with 77 percent of the district’s vote.

Georgia voters also supported a state constitutional amendment to change the way charter schools are created.

Voter turnout statewide was at 44 percent, and 51 percent in Hall County.

Here are the latest results (√ declared winner):

President
(Electoral votes; 270 needed to win)

√ Barack Obama, 275 
Mitt Romney, 201

Georgia popular vote

√ Mitt Romney, 54.5%
Barack Obama, 44.3%

Hall County popular vote

√ Mitt Romney, 77.4%
Barack Obama, 21.2% 

U.S. House, 9th District

√ Doug Collins-R, 76%
Jody Cooley-D, 24%

Georgia charter schools amendment

√ Yes 57.9%
No 42.1%

Georgia multiyear lease amendment

√ Yes 63%
No 37%