Atlanta Polls Open Until 8 PM on Election Day

Why this matters: This extension provides greater flexibility for Atlanta residents to participate in local elections. However, the use of provisional ballots after 7 p.m. may cause confusion and requires clear communication to voters.

The extension of polling hours came after the city of Atlanta sued Fulton and DeKalb counties, prompted by a directive from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office that city polls had to close at 7 p.m. due to the inclusion of the statewide Public Service Commission (PSC) races on the ballot.

The Fulton County judge ruled in favor of the city, ensuring that all voters in line by 7 p.m. can vote using a regular ballot, including in the PSC elections. Those arriving after 7 p.m. will be required to use provisional ballots, which will be counted separately for the municipal election but not for the PSC races.

This situation highlights the complexities of running municipal and state elections concurrently. The last-minute nature of the decision also underscores the importance of clear and timely communication between state and local election officials.

A judge ordered the extension in response to a lawsuit from the city of Atlanta, aiming to provide more time for residents to vote in the municipal election.

You will be required to use a provisional ballot, and your vote will only count towards the Atlanta Municipal Election races, not the Public Service Commissioner election.

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