DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Election Day got off to a busy start at a DeKalb County polling location Tuesday, with voters lining up before the doors opened to cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm elections.
As the morning continued, lines began to ease, and voters reported no problems with voting machines or the check-in process.
95.5 WSB’s Graham Carroll spoke with voters at the precinct, including Wendy, who arrived early hoping to see change.
“Always have to believe that they want to do the right thing and they want to be our voice. Doesn’t always work out that way, but I have to believe. I have to believe in the process because that’s what our country is based on,” Wendy said.
By Tuesday afternoon, voting continued without reported problems at the precinct.
Another voter, Chloe, arrived when polls opened and expressed hope despite uncertainty surrounding several closely contested races.
“There’s definitely concern that you don’t know what’s going to happen with any election. But I think in a time where there could be a lot of pessimism, you have to choose to have some optimism. Otherwise, what else do you have?” Chloe said.
A poll worker told Carroll that several issues had to be resolved before voting began, but everything was ready when the polls opened at 7 a.m.
Voters leaving the precinct also reported no unexpected items on their ballots.
Across Georgia, voters are deciding several major races, including contests for U.S. Senate, governor, attorney general and Congress.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is facing Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins in one of the state’s most closely watched races.
Georgians are also choosing a successor to Gov. Brian Kemp, with former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms facing Republican businessman Rick Jackson.
For one voter, affordability is a major concern when deciding which candidates to support.
“Affordability. I’m getting ready to send a couple of kids to college and the way the dynamics have changed in modeling that, and top of mind, how college savings are competing with everyday expenses,” the voter said.
Polling locations across Georgia remain open until 7 p.m. Tuesday.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Graham Carroll contributed to this story.
