Georgia's state government is headquartered on Atlanta's high ground, on the southeast side of downtown Atlanta. Many of the state's nearly 82,000 employes work in the buildings that surround the four-story, gold-domed Capitol.

Politically, the state is an anomaly. It's the only state in the South that has not had a Republican governor since Reconstruction. Likewise, the state's two legislative chambers have been dominated by Democrats -- though in the past 20 years, Republicans have made substantial gains.

The government is headed by Gov. Roy Barnes, who is seeking re-election for a second four-year term in 2002. But the executive branch's duties are also shared among six constitutional officers who are also elected to four-year terms -- and are also up for re-election. They are the secretary of state, the attorney general, the state school superintendent, the insurance commissioner, the labor commissioner and the agricultural commissioner.

The lieutenant governor, who presides over the state Senate, is also elected statewide.

Atlanta is the fifth capital city in the state's history, and the four-story Capitol dates to 1889. (A $66 million restoration is under way.)

The state Capitol is in downtown Atlanta near the intersection of I-20 and I-75/85, close to Underground Atlanta and the Georgia State MARTA station. It's open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Tours can be scheduled by calling 404-656-2844.

2002 elections

Elections are scheduled for many key state posts, including governor and state Senate and House lawmakers. Voters also decide on representatives in Congress and many county commission and local school board posts. It is the first election using districts redrawn based on 2000 census results. Primaries are Aug. 20, and the general election is Nov. 5.

Voter registration

To vote in an election, you must register at least 30 days beforehand and present valid ID at the polling station on election day. You do not have to register with a political party. Many counties have several voter registration stations, including libraries, public assistance offices, recruitment offices, schools and other government offices. To find the one nearest you, call the elections office of your county of residence or see the government listings section of this Guide Book. You also may register to vote when you obtain your driver's license. For more information, go to www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/applications.htm.

Personal taxes

Residents of metro Atlanta are subject to three major state and local taxes: property, sales and use, and Georgia personal income. For more information, go to www.state.ga.us/Departments/DOR.

	WILLIAM BERRY / AJC

Who's who: Influential people

Among the most influential figures in state politics and government:

• U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, a former governor, still wields influence throughout the state.

• Gov. Roy Barnes, who heads state government and the state Democratic party.

• House Speaker Tom Murphy, the longest-serving leader of a legislative chamber in the nation.

• State Democratic Party chairman Calvin Smyre, the first African-American head of a state party in Georgia.

• State GOP chairman Ralph Reed, former head of the Christian Coalition.

• State School Superintendent Linda Schrenko, the highest-ranking Republican in state government.