Here’s who voted early in Atlanta’s municipal elections
Atlanta voters will head to the polls today and cast ballots for mayor, Atlanta City Council president and all 15 council district seats.
But about 11% of those registered already voted.
An analysis of advanced voting numbers by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found about 46,000 residents took advantage of the early voting period from Oct. 14-31.
Voter turnout in local elections is historically low, even in 2021 during the crowded mayoral race, where incumbent Mayor Andre Dickens faced off against multiple high-profile challengers.
Georgia Decides 2025
With nearly 1,000 municipal contests underway across Georgia, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is your trusted source for election coverage. Check back for results.
Top races: Polls have opened across Georgia. Here are the key races in the metro Atlanta area to watch.
What’s going on today: One extra hour. After a contentious battle, judge rules Atlanta polls will remain open until 8 p.m.
Early data: Most registered voters have yet to cast a ballot — only 8% of Georgians voted early and overall turnout is expected to remain light. Here’s who voted early in Atlanta’s municipal elections.
What to watch: Will it be a good night for Democrats? What could key races mean for 2026? 5 questions about Georgia’s elections.
The issues: The statewide Public Service Commission contest is likely the most closely watched race today among political experts and voters alike. Meet the candidates running for seats on the state’s powerful utility regulator.
Opinion: “You can talk about any issue, but you’ve got to be focused because you’re not the mayor, you’re not the City Council.” Candidates locked in a fierce fight to become Atlanta City Hall’s second-in-command.
How to vote: Find your polling site.
How to find results: Check them out here.
Dickens faces three challengers today. But the council presidency is wide open, as are three seats on the council.
A majority of early Atlanta voters ranged from age 45 to more than 65, with numbers for younger residents dropping off significantly. Only about 4,300 voters age 18 to 29 voted early.
Around 14% of the city’s white voters cast early ballots, compared to just under 10% of Black voters, according to the AJC analysis.
A geographic breakdown of active registered voters who turned out during early voting by The Center for Civic Innovation gives insight into what areas of the city saw the highest numbers.
Atlanta City Council District 11 — where eight candidates are vying for the open seat — saw the highest turnout ahead of Election Day, followed by Districts 2 and 5 on the city’s east side.
The city elections will also share a ballot with two statewide Public Service Commission races, which have the potential to boost engagement for local elections.
About the Authors
Riley Bunch is a reporter on the local government team at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution covering Atlanta City Hall. She covers the mayor and Atlanta City Council while also keeping an eye on the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
