Atlanta Voters Can Cast Ballots Until 8 PM on Election Day
On Election Day, Atlanta voters can cast their ballots until 8 p.m., providing them with an additional hour compared to the statewide closing time of 7 p.m. This change is significant for those wishing to participate in the Nov. 4 election.
Details on Voting Procedures
However, voters arriving after 7 p.m. must utilize provisional ballots, which prevent them from voting in two important statewide Public Service Commission races. This adjustment was made through a last-minute ruling by Fulton Superior Court Judge Melynee Leftfridge during an emergency hearing held on the afternoon of Nov. 3.
Impact of the Ruling
The ruling affects a total of 67 polling places in Fulton County and 14 locations in DeKalb County that lie within the Atlanta city limits. Voters in line at 7 p.m. will still have the opportunity to vote with regular ballots and participate in the PSC elections.
Legal Background
The city of Atlanta’s request for extended voting hours is grounded in Georgia law, which permits cities with populations exceeding 300,000 to extend voting time by one hour on Election Day. Despite this law, confusion arose when it was communicated in August that the Atlanta polls should close at 7 p.m. due to the PSC races.
- Judge: Melynee Leftfridge
- Date of Ruling: Nov. 3
- Votes counted with:
- Regular ballots for voters in line at 7 p.m.
- Provisional ballots for those arriving after 7 p.m.
- Number of affected polling places: 67 in Fulton County, 14 in DeKalb County
Next Steps for Poll Officials
Following the ruling, Judge Leftridge indicated the need for a written order outlining the updated vote-tallying process. She mandated that county elections officials conduct a Zoom meeting with Atlanta poll workers on the night of Nov. 3 to ensure clarity regarding the new voting procedures.
This decision aims to facilitate greater voter participation in Atlanta during the upcoming municipal election, emphasizing the importance of accessible voting hours for city residents.
