Georgia primary: Voter turnout so far appears to be low

Chandra Brown was the first in line to vote at Grady High School in Atlanta.

As voters decide on key contests, including governor and lieutenant governor, turnout so far appears to be low at polling locations across metro Atlanta.

CobbDeKalbnorth Fultonsouth FultonGwinnett

In northeast Gwinnett County, 55 people had voted by 11:10 a.m. at Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church. In east Cobb, less than 200 people had cast a ballot at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

At Briarlake Elementary School in north DeKalb County, precinct workers described the turnout — 140 voters by 12:15 p.m.—  as very light. One worker pointed toward low turnout during early voting as a worrying sign.

There were some encouraging signs that traffic may be picking up in other parts of metro Atlanta.

At The Church at Decatur Heights, about 460 people had cast a ballot by 2:30 p.m. That’s heavy turnout for a primary, a poll worker said.

In addition to governor and lieutenant governor, voters are deciding on candidates for secretary of state, state superintendent of schools, insurance commissioner and labor commissioner.

Georgians must also work to fill 20 state legislative seats without an incumbent on the ballot, and all but one of them are currently occupied by Republicans.

Several congressional races and three races for Public Service Commission are also on the ballot.

MORE PRIMARY COVERAGE:

Voters at Grady High School in Atlanta make their selections for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state superintendent of schools, insurance commissioner and labor commissioner. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

icon to expand image

Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM