Key Highlights
- Election Day 2025 in Georgia saw polls closing for statewide and municipal races.
- The Public Service Commission contests drew particular attention due to rising electricity costs.
- In Atlanta, the mayoral race faced a crowded field of challengers against Mayor Andre Dickens.
- Turnout was steady despite delays in some polling places, with provisional ballots requiring action by voters.
Election Day 2025: Polls Close Across Georgia
On Election Day 2025, polls closed across the state of Georgia following a day of voting for both statewide and municipal races. The public service sector was at the forefront of attention, with two key seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission up for grabs.
Public Service Commission Races
The two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission were particularly contentious, given their potential to impact residents’ energy costs in the years ahead. In District 2, incumbent Tim Echols, a Republican first elected in 2010, faced Democrat Alicia Johnson, an advocate for renewable energy from Athens. Echols has campaigned on expanding nuclear power and protecting ratepayers from inflation, while Johnson emphasized stronger consumer oversight and investment in solar projects.
In District 3, Republican Fitz Johnson defended his seat against Democrat Peter Hubbard, a Macon-based engineer who criticized recent Georgia Power rate hikes.
Johnson argued that the commission’s decisions balanced rising energy costs with reliability concerns. The commission has raised rates six times in roughly two years, leading to voter frustration and making these contests unusually high-profile for what is typically a low-turnout election.
Atlanta Mayor’s Race
In the City of Atlanta, voters participated in a mayoral race where incumbent Mayor Andre Dickens faced several challengers. Dickens campaigned on continuing economic development projects and police recruitment efforts, while critics questioned his handling of public safety and affordable housing issues. The race drew attention due to its crowded field and high voter turnout.
Turnout was steady throughout the day, bolstered by a court-ordered one-hour extension after technical problems delayed openings at several polling places in Atlanta. Results from this race were expected later Tuesday night, with close contests potentially extending final tallies into Wednesday.
Voting Logistics and Provisional Ballots
Some voters faced delays due to earlier issues, leading to extended hours in certain areas of the City of Atlanta. Polls closed at 7 p.m., but those already in line were allowed to vote until that time. Those arriving after 7 p.m. had their ballots marked as provisional for city races only and could not participate in statewide contests.
Provisional ballots require action by voters to ensure they are counted.
According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, these must be cured if the voter provides acceptable identification or resolves eligibility concerns within a week following Election Day. Voters should visit their county registrar’s office as soon as possible and bring an ID such as a Georgia driver’s license, passport, or state-issued voter ID card.
Election officials across Georgia began tabulating votes from in-person and absentee ballots immediately after polls closed, with early voting numbers expected to be released first. The Public Service Commission contests were seen as indicators of voter sentiment on energy policy and pocketbook issues, reflecting the broader concerns about utility costs in Georgia.
