For months, candidates vying for victory in this year’s political campaigns have gone door-to-door, sent mailers and broadcast their messages on TV, radio, and through social media outlets.
However, today, it’s voters’ turn to weigh in.
Residents across metro Atlanta will head to the polls, beginning at 7 a.m., to decide a bevy of local races and ballot initiatives.
There are several key races in the city of Atlanta, including Mayor Kasim Reed’s bid to retain the city’s top political spot. Reed faces a challenge from candidates, Al Bartell, Fraser Duke, and Glenn Wrightson.
Also at stake are several city council and school board races. In addition to Atlanta, about two dozen metro cities have elections for mayors and city council members.
Gwinnett residents will decide whether or not to extend the 1 percent sales tax. If approved, the revenue from the tax would generate $498 million. County officials have earmarked more than 70 percent of those funds for transportation projects.
In Marietta, a proposed $68 million redevelopment bond is in the hands of voters in that Cobb County city. The money is slated to be used for redevelopment on Whitlock Avenue and Franklin Road.
When do I vote?
Most of the polls in Georgia are open this morning from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Election Day. In the city of Atlanta, the polls will remain open until 8 p.m. All voters waiting in line at the closing time will be allowed to vote. Peak voting hours are historically from 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., and during the mid-day lunch hour, according to the Georgia Secretary of State.
Where do I vote?
Each voter must vote at the polling place designated for the precinct in which the voter lives - the location of your polling place is located on your precinct card. If you have misplaced your card or do not know where your precinct is located, you should contact your local elections office.
What do I need to vote?
Voters must present identification at their polling place prior to casting their ballot. Proper identification includes:
- A Georgia driver's license which was properly issued by the appropriate state agency;
- A valid voter identification card or other valid identification card issued by a branch, department, agency, or entity of the State of Georgia, any other state, or the United States authorized by law to issue personal identification containing a photograph;
- A valid United States passport;
- A valid employee identification card containing a photograph of the elector and issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the United States government, this state, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
- A valid United States military identification card containing a photograph of the elector;
- A valid tribal identification card containing a photograph of the elector
Online Voter Guide
Before heading to the polls, you can look through a voters' guide to see how your candidate answered questions and create your own customized ballot by visiting ajc.com/voterguide.
