Just how deeply has the June 20 runoff touched Georgia 6th District's residents?

Consider this: A majority of voters — 54 percent — told pollsters commissioned by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that they have been contacted in person by Democrat Jon Ossoff’s campaign. About one-quarter have been reached face-to-face by Republican Karen Handel’s backers.

And that barrage of TV ads is having an impact as well — even if many prefer not to admit it. About one-third of 6th District residents report the campaign spots influenced their vote, including almost equal numbers of Democrats, Republicans and independents.

All those deep-blue Ossoff and stark-white Handel signs have their own part to play. About 14 percent of the electorate say their friends’ and neighbors’ opinions make a difference. With margins as close as they are in this race, the neighborly touch could be the difference.

The prevailing sentiment beneath it all: 6th District residents see this race as uniquely important. Whether voters view the election as a way to rebuke or protect President Donald Trump, a bellwether for next year’s midterms or a chance to assert their independence, there’s a consensus that it matters.

The poll shows a majority of the district’s residents — 52 percent — say next week’s vote is more important than past elections, and 45 percent say it’s at least as important as earlier contests. Only 3 percent say it’s less significant than previous votes.

Read more on MyAJC: Exhausted 6th District voters prepare for vote

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Savannah Chrisley, daughter of former reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, speaks outside the Federal Prison Camp on May 28, 2025, in Pensacola, Fla. President Donald Trump pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were found guilty of defrauding banks out of $36 million and hiding millions in earnings to avoid paying taxes. (Dan Anderson/AP)

Credit: Dan Anderson/AP