Races to watch in the 2023 metro Atlanta elections

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, for several local leadership roles. Elected offices for mayor, city council, school board and more are up for grabs across the Atlanta metro area.

On Friday’s “Closer Look,” WABE education reporter Juma Sei and Dan Whisenhunt, editor of Decaturish, joined show host Rose Scott to discuss the races they’re watching.

“Clarkston, I would say, is the race we’re watching most intently,” said Whisenhunt, adding that lately, it’s been “the most drama-filled beat.”

“There was some controversy surrounding the former city manager and police department,” said Whisenhunt.

Sei is covering Atlanta’s school board races and says things will be a little different this year with five of the nine seats up for election.

“This is going to be the first year in which we’re staggering the election,” said Sei. “Basically, what they’re trying to avoid is having a mass turnover in the school board.”

Officials are expecting a low turnout for the Atlanta school board races. Polls are customarily open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Note of disclosure: The Atlanta Board of Education holds WABE’s broadcast license; however, WABE does not endorse any candidates.