Politics
Politics

Tensions mount as Fayette voting rights trial nears

By Tammy Joyner
Oct 10, 2015

What’s the fairest way to elect county officials?

That’s at the heart of a four-year fight that has consumed Fayette County officials who believe at-large or countywide works best - so do many citizens who recently appealed to the county commissioners to fight for it.

The NAACP and many black residents say district voting enables black candidates to get elected - something that didn’t happen until recently when two court-ordered elections enabled two blacks to win seats on the county commission.

The two sides could meet in court next month for a trial if they're unable to reach a settlement. Read more here.

About the Author

Tammy Joyner covers local government in Clayton, Fayette and Henry counties.

More Stories

Keep Reading

Voters leave the Wills Park Recreation Center in Alpharetta, Ga., on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Advocacy groups challenge Georgia election law in federal court

A federal judge on Wednesday weighed whether to dismiss a lawsuit challenging provisions of Georgia's 2024 elections overhaul law.

OPINION

Congress is back. But that doesn’t mean momentum for a health insurance deal.

The Thanksgiving recess didn't do much to break the impasse in Congress over expiring health insurance subsidies.

Athens area voters to decide new state representative in special election

With a state House seat in Athens open, Republicans are looking to preserve the seat while Democrats are hoping to flip it.

The Latest

Now that President DonaldTrump has stopped the cost-sharing reduction subsidies that help lower-income Obamacare customers afford out-of-pocket costs, the ball is in Congress’ lap. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)
OPINION

Congress is back. But that doesn’t mean momentum for a health insurance deal.

Advocacy groups challenge Georgia election law in federal court

LISTEN

State lawmaker Houston Gaines explains why he’s running for Congress

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta opens door on first modular rapid-housing for homeless residents

The first-of-its-kind development, Waterworks Village, overlooks the nearby reservoir. It's part of Mayor Andre Dickens' initiative to build 500 units of for the unhoused.

1h ago
POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Local GOP sees ‘danger’ in a chaotic race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene

Republican leaders in Georgia's 14th Congressional District worry a crowded field in a special election could give Democrats a chance to win.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Two centennials, one story: Delta and the Atlanta airport

Delta Air Lines and Hartsfield-Jackson both turn 100 this year, and you can’t tell the story of one without the other.