Early voting starts in DeKalb for district 13 runoff

DeKalb County, Georgia, began early voting on Saturday, August 15, 2026, for the special election runoff in Congressional District 13. The runoff will determine the winner of the seat left vacant by the resignation of former Representative John Lewis, who passed away in 2020. The two candidates, Democrat Nikema Williams and Republican Angela Stanton-King, advanced to the runoff after the November 2020 general election, where no candidate received a majority of the vote. Early voting will continue through Friday, August 21, with the final Election Day set for Tuesday, August 25. The only early voting location in DeKalb County is the County Line-Ellenwood Library at 4331 River Road, Ellenwood, Georgia. Hours vary: Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, August 16, from noon to 5 p.m.; and Monday through Friday, August 17-21, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eligible voters are those who reside in DeKalb County and within the boundaries of Georgia's 13th Congressional District. The runoff is significant because the district is heavily Democratic, and the outcome will likely determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives, where Democrats hold a slim majority. The winner will serve the remainder of the term, which ends in January 2023. Voter turnout is expected to be high, given the national attention on the race. The DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections office has encouraged all eligible voters to participate, either early or on Election Day. The county has implemented safety measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including social distancing and mask requirements at polling places. This early voting period is the first opportunity for many residents to cast their ballots, and officials are urging voters to take advantage of the extended hours to avoid long lines on Election Day.