Atlanta voters received a last-minute reprieve as a court order will keep the city's polling places open until 8:00 p.m., extending beyond the previously mandated 7:00 p.m. closing time. The city challenged a directive to shorten poll hours in Fulton and DeKalb Counties, emphasizing the need to ensure "every Atlanta voter has fair and equal access to the ballot box," according to the City of Atlanta.
Mayor Andre Dickens said, "We will not let anyone reduce access to voting in elections. Not this year, next year nor 2028." The ruling aims to prevent disenfranchisement of working families, students, and those with demanding schedules in local and state elections, as reported by the City of Atlanta.
City Attorney Patrise Perkins-Hooker said, "I am very happy that the Superior Court Judge followed the existing law and granted our motion to keep the additional hour, to which the voters of the City of Atlanta are entitled." The court allowed an extra hour for voting in Atlanta, but ballots cast during this time will be treated as provisional and will not include the PSC race. The city said the extended hour is meant to give more voters the opportunity to cast their ballots, as stated by the City of Atlanta.
