Georgia Voters Head to Polls as Electricity Costs Take Center Stage

ATLANTA, Georgia — Polls opened Tuesday for Election Day 2025, with Georgia voters casting ballots in two crucial races for the Public Service Commission (PSC), impacting future electricity costs.

Amid soaring electricity prices, which have risen six times within two years, these races are drawing significant attention. A recent ruling by Fulton County Superior Court allows polling places in Atlanta to stay open until 8 p.m., one hour longer than most voting locations in the state.

Voters must present a valid photo ID to vote, and campaign materials are not allowed within 150 feet of polling sites. Political analysts indicate that this election could provide insights into Georgia’s political climate, especially since there are no national races on the ballot this year.

“That’s the tricky part, in a midterm election, because Trump’s not on the ballot,” said Republican analyst Phil Kent. “The same issue applies to Democrats regarding turnout.”

In the 2nd District, incumbent Republican Tim Echols faces Democrat Alicia Johnson, while in the 4th District, Democrat Peter Hubbard challenges Republican Fitz Johnson. Campaign strategist Tharon Johnson noted that this usually low-key race is unusually energized this cycle.

“Republicans are very worried about the money being spent and the messaging being portrayed by Democrats right now,” Johnson said.

The costs associated with energy have concerned many voters. Georgia Power’s price hikes have sparked conversations about PSC races. Analysts predict this election’s turnout may also be affected by ongoing bipartisan frustrations over the recent federal government shutdown and political divisions.

“People on both sides are looking for unity to heal divisions,” said Melita Easters, a Georgia Gang panelist.

All polling places in Atlanta will remain open until 8 p.m., following the court’s decision that aims to ensure equitable access to voting.

The changes affect only polling locations within Atlanta. Other precincts in Fulton County will close at 7 p.m., at which time poll workers will tally the end of line. Voters present in line can cast ballots on a voting device, while those arriving after 7 p.m. will only vote for municipal races using provisional ballots.

Election Day hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and voters must determine their designated polling locations beforehand. Georgia law mandates that voters present a government-issued photo ID to vote in person. If someone lacks the acceptable ID, they may cast a provisional ballot but will need to resolve the eligibility issue for that vote to count.

The upcoming PSC races occur during off-year elections, focusing on state-wide impacts related to energy provision. Both parties recognize the elections as bellwether events leading up to next year’s gubernatorial and Senate races.

Republican seats currently held by Echols and Fitz Johnson are contested by Democrats Hubbard and Alicia Johnson. Voter turnout is pivotal in shaping the direction of energy policies and costs in Georgia, which have risen based on the service requests made by Georgia Power.

“The stakes have never been higher,” said Jennifer Wakefield from the Southern Environmental Law Center. “The Public Service Commission determines our energy future in Georgia.” This contest is more than an election; it’s a critical decision on the state’s energy landscape for years to come.