Polls have closed in Atlanta for Tuesday's runoff elections. Follow AJC.com for complete Georgia election runoff results and live election night updates from the AJC politics team
Original story:
DeKalb voters were slow to get to the polls for Tuesday’s runoff elections.
Polls opened up at 7 a.m. at New Life Church on Flat Shoals Road and only one voter, William Calhoun, showed up by 7:30 a.m. He eased his way through the venue due to lack of lines.
Calhoun, a Republican voter, explained that Trump’s endorsement had no effect on his decision today.
“I decided to go with Kemp because of how negative Cagle has been throughout the election,” the lone voter said.
By 10 a.m., DeKalb polling locations saw steady increase in voter turnout. At Chestnut Elementary on N. Peachtree Road, a total of 49 people had showed up to cast their votes, according to polling manager.
Some voters, such as 12-year Dunwoody resident Patricia Ford, explained that they always make sure to show up and vote, regardless of whether it’s for national or state elections.
“It’s my civic duty and it’s the most powerful tool I have,” Ford said.
Dunwoody voter Rebecca Ryan explained that she has never missed a chance to vote since she was 18 because she believes every vote counts.
Both Ford and Ryan expressed their belief in Democratic candidates on their ballots.
“I think they have a chance if voters come out and support them,” Ford said. “I’d like to see fresh ideas and have those ideas represent us locally and nationally.”
Ryan, a resident of the Dunwoody area for 43 years, explained that she believes Democrats have a chance for local races, but not so much for the statewide races.
“I feel like we have more of a chance locally due to changes in the neighborhood and what I have seen over time,” Ryan said.
Republicans are choosing their nominee for governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state. Democratic voters will pick candidates for state schools superintendent and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Aside from statewide elections, DeKalb voters are also voting for a Superior Court judge position in Stone Mountain’s judicial circuit.
To find DeKalb County Republican, Democrat and nonpartisan ballots, click here.
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