Local

Metro Atlantans cast their ballots in special election to fill Rep. John Lewis' seat

By Sophia Choi, WSB-TV
By Sophia Choi, WSB-TV

ATLANTA — Voters took the polls Tuesday to vote for the person who will temporarily fill the congressional seat left empty by the late John Lewis.

Voters in the 5th Congressional District said Lewis left big shoes to fill for whoever replaces him.

[FIND OUT WHERE YOUR VOTING LOCATION IS HERE]

“I’ve only known John Lewis, and it’s crazy to have to vote for someone else,” voter Jasmine Phillips said.

Tuesday’s special election is only about who will serve the rest of his term through Jan. 3, 2021.

Visit our special section for more information on Election 2020 and what you as a voter need to know about key dates, absentee ballots, your district, in-person voting and much more.

“I thought it was pretty important to come out today and vote for who I thought would be a good interim replacement,” Phillips said.

The latest results show the top two vote-getters as former Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall and former Morehouse College President Robert Franklin.

If no one captures at least 50% of the vote, there will be a runoff between the two in December.

TRENDING STORIES:

We saw Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts cast his ballot within minutes in southwest Atlanta.

He said some confusion over polling locations appeared to be an issue that stood out.

“They thought it was still early voting. So, therefore, they came here to vote early, and they’re not registered here,” Pitts said.

[CLICK HERE to check your voter registration status.]

During early voting, some electronic poll pads caused problems. Those show if you’re at the right precinct.

They were addressed before the special election.

In June, 5th District voters recalled the long lines and broken voting machines.

[LINK: County-by-county absentee ballot drop box locations]

“We still waited three hours to vote because the machines were down. It was madness,” voter Jason Cruzan said.

They’re hopeful the special election helps election officials do one last test run before November.

“I don’t want to have to possibly go through what happened in June,” Cruzan said.

Your Voice Your Vote: Making it Count

Cox Media Group

Most Read