Kristal Dixon, a reporter at Axios Atlanta, highlights the bustling early voter engagement in Georgia as anxieties rise ahead of election day. Clyde Higgs, CEO of the Atlanta Beltline, discusses the urban transformation of the city, focusing on community challenges like gentrification. Former congressman Kwanza Hall emphasizes the stakes for local issues and changing demographics. Meanwhile, correspondents across the country share insights, revealing the charged political atmosphere and the mobilization efforts in crucial swing states.
High early voting participation in Georgia, particularly in Republican counties, reflects increased voter engagement and concern over the cost of living.
Atlanta's urban transformation through the Beltline project highlights the tension between gentrification, affordable housing, and changing political demographics.
Deep dives
Voter Turnout and Engagement in Georgia
Early voting in Georgia has seen exceptional participation, with approximately 3.5 million people casting their votes ahead of the election. This number is expected to reach around 4 million by the end of early voting. Notably, there has been a significant turnout in Republican-leaning counties, indicating heightened engagement across various demographics. The cost of living and housing affordability in Atlanta have emerged as primary concerns among voters, influencing their engagement and support for the candidates.
The Impact of Candidates' Campaigns
Both candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, have intensified their campaigns in Georgia, with over 40 visits combined since August. Key issues resonating with voters include the rising cost of living, particularly housing prices, which have skyrocketed along the Beltline in Atlanta. Voter sentiment indicates that while Harris has energized the Democratic base, Trump continues to leverage recurring themes of immigration and economic performance. The tight race, with Biden winning by a small margin in the last election, emphasizes the need for candidates to effectively communicate their messages to sway voters.
Urban Renewal and Demographic Changes
Atlanta is undergoing significant urban renewal, transforming once-neglected areas into thriving spaces, primarily through the Beltline project, which aims to repurpose old railway corridors. This gentrification has attracted a diverse population, leading to demographic shifts that impact local politics. While many newcomers are expected to lean Democratic, the surrounding areas still show signs of conservative voting trends. The ongoing tension between maintaining affordable housing and accommodating rapid growth highlights the challenges faced by city planners and policymakers.
Concerns Over Election Security and Voter Sentiment
As Election Day approaches, there are palpable concerns about the potential for election-related tensions, reflecting anxieties stemming from past elections. Authorities have implemented measures to ensure a secure voting environment, given the heightened focus on allegations of voter fraud. Voters are aware of the controversies surrounding voting integrity and express a desire for a smooth electoral process. The atmosphere thus far has been relatively calm, with many expressing confidence in the measures taken to safeguard their ability to vote freely and openly.
With five days to go until election day, Monocle Radio is broadcasting from around the US. To kick things off, we are in Atlanta, Georgia – a key swing state in this year’s race for the White House. To get a sense of the mood on the ground, we hear from Axios’s Kristal Dixon, discover the city’s urban transformation with Beltline CEO Clyde Higgs and explore what’s at stake with former congressman Kwanza Hall. Plus: we’re on the road with dispatches from Bruno Kaufmann in Las Vegas, Georgina Godwin in New York and Vincent McAviney brings us a letter from California.