Election Day 2026: Live Reporting From the Polls
Stay tuned to The Panther’s live coverage across metro Atlanta today as our reporters hear directly from voters and capture the atmosphere on the ground this Election Day. Full election coverage can be found here and as we report it on Instagram @
______ 10:31 A.M. @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Keenan L. (No Photo)
36 years old
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, but currently lives in Fulton County
Can you talk to me about your first voting experience?
Keenan L.: “My first time voting was a very inspirational and amazing moment; it was when I was legal to vote in 2008.”
How are you feeling about participating in this election and what does having your voice heard mean to you?
Keenan L.:, “It means everything. Someone is listening to you, they care about what you think and what you stand for. It’s always a good thing to be heard.”
—Interviewed by Ethan Dorsett for The Panther
10:20 A.M. @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Michael Colon
22 years old
Born in New York but currently lives in Fulton County
Journalism major at Georgia State University
What motivates you to participate in this election?
Colon: “I think voting is imperative and it’s a part of our civic duties to go out and vote, so I’m here.”
What issues stand out to you the most in this election?
Colon: “What doesn’t? I feel like there’s a lot of issues within Atlanta in itself. Atlanta is a city that is still finding itself,” he added. “But most importantly, I just want people to have better, do better, live appropriately, and live with greatness, fullness, and clarity.”
What emotions come to mind when you think about participating in this election?
Colon: “Hope, we definitely need to be out there for each other and for ourselves,” he added “I think it’s important that we go out and strive to do things for others and ourselves.”
—Interviewed by Ethan Dorsett for The Panther
9:47 A.M. @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 435 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30308 United States
Leia Barton
19 years old
Prince George’s County, Maryland
Junior political science major at Georgia State University
First time voter
What are your emotions leading into your first election?
Barton: “I’ve always been politically inclined, so I’ve always been super excited to vote and I’m super excited to see the outcome of this election.”
What motivated you to participate in this election?
Barton: “Being a Black woman motivates me to be politically active in general. I’m also a political science major, so I can see on the other side how this stuff really affects people.”
Abana Cox
20 years old
Queens, New York (moved to Georgia when she was 14)
Junior majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in law at Georgia State University
What made you decide to vote in this election?
Cox: “I feel the need to really make my voice heard. A lot of people say their vote doesn’t count, that’s completely false. As a Black woman, I feel like civil engagement is everything. Especially in this day and age, people need to go out, show out, and make their voices heard because voting influences a lot in our lives.”
What issues stand out to her in this election:
Cox: “Definitely the cost of living right now, everything is just high, high, high and everybody is struggling,” she added. “I would just really love things to be easier for everybody.”
—Interviewed by Ethan Dorsett for The Panther
8:16 A.M. @ Atlanta University Center
Know before you go: The Where The Party At? Podcast, hosted by Saba Long and Eldredge Washington, has created a handy voter guide that breaks down the statewide races and the constitutional amendments, including background on the positions and questions on the ballot. It also includes a quick, fun game to test your political IQ. There's also a version to download and print to take with you into the voting booth.
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