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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Atlanta. Written by Emma Hurt, Kristal Dixon and Thomas Wheatley.

Axios Atlanta Thought Bubble

Axios Atlanta

As Georgia endures its second high-profile Senate runoff cycle in two years, there's a movement afoot to get rid of them.

Driving the news: A nonpartisan coalition of groups released a new digital ad to push for changes to Georgia's general election runoff system, arguing an instant runoff ballot would avoid costly overtime elections — and the attack ads that come with them.

"Imagine being able to enjoy the holidays without being bombarded with negativity," it begins. 

Catch up quick: In instant runoffs, a voter ranks candidates in preference order. Then, in the instance that one candidate doesn't receive more than 50% of the vote, secondary preferences would be considered to determine a majority winner — without holding another election.

Why it matters: Advocates argue that changing the system would save taxpayer money and make for a bigger electorate given lower turnout runoffs.

They also argue the change could make campaigns less divisive and negative since candidates will be trying to appeal as voters’ second or third choices as well.

Be smart: The proposed "instant runoff" system is similar to states including Maine and much of Utah, but is different from the open primary, ranked-choice system Alaska recently adopted — which saw a Democrat defeat two Republicans earlier this fall.

Zoom in: According to Kennesaw State University research funded by Georgia instant runoff advocates, the 2021 Senate runoffs cost taxpayers an estimated $75 million.

Plus, researchers found that turnout "unequivocally" drops during most runoffs, calling into question the theoretical purpose of these overtime elections: that they yield a more democratic decision by a majority of voters.  

Yes, and: Bill Bozarth, a board member of a group in the coalition, Better Ballot Georgia, argues ranking candidates is "a way of addressing the great political divide."

“It provides a way where we get people running for office who are willing to be more moderate, more compromising, trying to find solutions,” he told Axios.

Runoffs skew towards the most “zealous base,” he said.  

State of play: Georgia has already implemented a type of instant runoff ballot for the state's military and overseas voters. The bipartisan proposal folded into the 2021 Republican-led election overhaul, which also shortened federal runoffs to four weeks.

State Rep. Wes Cantrell (R-Woodstock) sponsored the original bill. 

"My idea was to give Georgians a taste of instant runoff voting, to maybe get some education going on this," he told Axios.

Carolyn Capelouto, a Georgia voter living abroad, told Axios the process of submitting her ranked-choice ballot this year was "a bit confusing." While she ultimately got her ballots in on time, "it could have been better explained," she said.

The big picture: Other proposals, including allowing cities to opt-in to instant runoffs and implementing instant runoffs for general elections and presidential preference primaries, have stalled so far.

Yes, but: Scot Turner, a former Republican state representative and executive director of Eternal Vigilance Action, a group in the coalition, is hopeful that exhaustion over the Senate runoffs might make lawmakers more open to the idea. Plus, he points out, there’s new leadership in the legislature.

The reform, he told Axios, would be "a solution for the pain that we're all feeling."

Between the lines: The issue has bipartisan support, including from State Rep. Stacey Evans (D-Atlanta). She told Axios she hopes both parties will get on board.

"It is good government," she said. "It is efficient and promotes healthier debate during elections."

What we’re watching: Better Ballot Georgia is collecting signatures on an online petition.

"Enough is enough – instant runoff voting is a faster, cheaper, and better way to run our elections," Daniel Baggerman, the group's president, said in a statement.

The bottom line: Cantrell, who will not be in office next year, said he sometimes felt "in a vacuum" on the issue.

"Nobody was passionate about it. But maybe they will be after this runoff. Maybe this will be the thing that will motivate folks from both sides of the aisle to step up and say we’ve got to get rid of these antiquated runoffs."

A proposed way out of Georgia's runoffs

As Georgia endures its second high-profile Senate runoff cycle in two years, there’s a movement afoot to get rid of them.

Illustration of gold, silver and bronze check marks.

Georgia

Illustration of three check-marked boxes.

As Georgia endures its second high-profile Senate runoff cycle in two years, there&#x27;s a movement afoot to get rid of them.Driving the news: A nonpartisan coalition of groups released a new digital ad to push for changes to Georgia&#x27;s general election runoff system, arguing an instant runoff ballot would avoid costly overtime elections — and the attack ads that come with them.<ul><li>&quot;Imagine being able to enjoy the holidays without being bombarded with negativity,&quot; it begins. </li></ul>

Politics

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth are far more likely to attempt suicide, plan a suicide attempt or have suicidal thoughts, according to new research from the University of Georgia. 

The study shows these young people were also more likely to have experienced trauma like childhood sexual violence and dating violence.

Driving the news: The research shows that there appears to be a link between experiencing trauma like sexual violence or physical dating violence and suicidal ideation, but that link is stronger among LGB youth.   

Of note: The study did not include transgender or nonbinary youth. A recent Trevor Project survey found that more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth queried reported seriously considering a suicide attempt in the last year.

Why it matters: The UGA research has implications for suicide prevention efforts among LGB youth. The report's authors say it means these efforts may need to incorporate violence prevention and intervention strategies as well. 

That could include better education of school staff and faculty about the effects of violence on LGB youth.

By the numbers: The study uses data from nearly 15,000 respondents to a 2019 CDC survey. It shows that while nearly 15% of heterosexual youth reported suicidal ideation, nearly 38% of gay or lesbian youth and nearly 48% of bisexual youth did. 

Threat level: The study’s lead author, Émilie Ellis, said in a statement the results are concerning and warned the study is also likely an underrepresentation of the number of suicidal ideation broadly because of the stigma associated with reporting it.

LGB youth more likely to experience trauma, research shows

The research shows that there appears to be a link between experiencing trauma like sexual violence or physical dating violence and suicidal ideation, but that link is stronger among LGB youth.

Photo illustration collage of an upset young person with a rainbow and shattered glass surrounding them.

LGBTQ

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth are far more likely to attempt suicide, plan a suicide attempt or have suicidal thoughts, according <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to new research from the University of Georgia. " data-vars-click-url="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40653-022-00475-0" data-vars-content-id="414af3e7-910b-47b4-b034-389aec710a16" data-vars-headline="LGB youth more likely to experience trauma, research shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40653-022-00475-0" target="_blank">to new research from the University of Georgia. </a><ul><li>The study shows these young people were also more likely to have experienced trauma like childhood sexual violence and dating violence.</li></ul>

News

Chicago

Axios Chicago

The Falcons host the Chicago Bears this weekend for what should be an exciting matchup between two proud and scrappy cities with middling football teams.

And so, Axios Chicago's Justin Kaufmann volunteered to give some menu suggestions if you're hosting any Bears fans on Sunday.

🥬 Spinach and artichoke dip: We love our dip. French onion, ranch, queso, seven-layer. But the spinach and artichoke dip is a Chicago classic. It's spinach, artichokes and several kinds of cheese, baked to perfection. Serve with tortilla chips. It's healthy!

🥩 Crockpot Italian beef: There's nothing better than a pile of seasoned beef simmering for hours. Time it for kickoff, and make sure you top it with giardiniera.

🍫 Dessert: Portillo's has a chocolate cake shake. There are recipes online on how to copy. The secret? Mayonnaise.

Justin’s thought bubble: "Bears fans have circled this game on the calendar because former GM Ryan Pace is now with the Falcons. We'd like nothing more than to get a win over the guy who drafted Mitch Trubisky."

Here are our recommendations for ATL-friendly hor d'oeuvres to Justin.

Eat Their Lunch: Chicago Bears

Here's what to make if you're hosting Bears fans for their game against the Falcons this weekend.

A Chicago Bears football player looks to his right while running with the ball and his teammates block for him

"Stop that quarterback Justin Fields! He's got a Pepsi!" Photo: Brian Cassella via Getty Images

National Football League (NFL)

The Falcons host the Chicago Bears this weekend for what should be an exciting matchup between two proud and scrappy cities with middling football teams.<ul><li>And so, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Chicago&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="8e4c7085-0501-4d9a-a791-e9f7e2726bcf" data-vars-headline="Eat Their Lunch: Chicago Bears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" target="_self">Axios Chicago&#x27;s</a> Justin Kaufmann volunteered to give some menu suggestions if you&#x27;re hosting any Bears fans on Sunday.</li></ul>

Sports

Food and Drink

Data: Axios Research; Map: Alice Feng/Axios 

Georgia voters may jump closer to the front of the line in the 2024 Democratic presidential primary.

Driving the news: The Washington Post reported Thursday night that President Joe Biden asked Democratic leaders to move South Carolina to the first-in-the-nation slot, followed by Nevada and New Hampshire, then Georgia and Michigan, citing the need to elevate states with more diverse electorates. 

The Democratic National Committee could decide on the order as soon as this weekend.

Why it matters: Moving up the primary would give Georgians more sway in picking the presidential nominees and guarantee an infusion of cash, staff and high-profile candidate visits.

The switch would also mean two Southern states with large populations of people of color — Georgia is 33% Black; South Carolina is at 27% — would hurdle less diverse states like Iowa..

What's next: The DNC's Rules and Bylaws committee is meeting today and could vote on an overhaul of the nominating contest calendar.

The Georgia Democratic Party's pitch video highlights its growing, diverse population and its recent Democratic wins.

Flashback: The push to change the primary calendar picked up momentum after Iowa's 2020 caucuses devolved into disarray after tech and communication issues. That has compounded with a larger push in the party to allow a more diverse state to go first. 

Twenty states and territories applied for an early primary spot. Seventeen were invited to present their pitch to DNC officials over the summer

The current early states — Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina — had to reapply under the process.

The other side: The RNC voted to stick with its 2020 schedule for early states.

What we're watching: Even if Georgia is not added to the early primary list, Atlanta remains a finalist for the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Georgia Democrats' bid for an early president primary to get a vote

Georgia has thrown its hat in the ring to join the elite ranks of early Democratic primary states for 2024.

Georgia voters may jump closer to the front of the line in the 2024 Democratic presidential primary.Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/12/01/2024-primaries-biden-democrats/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/12/01/2024-primaries-biden-democrats/" target="_blank">Washington Post</a> reported Thursday night that President Joe Biden asked Democratic leaders to move South Carolina to the first-in-the-nation slot, followed by Nevada and New Hampshire, then Georgia and Michigan, citing the need to elevate states with more diverse electorates. <ul><li>The Democratic National Committee could decide on the order as soon as this weekend.</li></ul>

It's voting time again, Georgia. But there's just one box to check. 

Unlike the 2021 runoffs, there is no new voter registration window this year. 

Driving the news: Only those registered by Nov. 7 are eligible to vote in the runoff. 

Yes, but: Those who registered as 17.5 year olds by the Nov. 7 registration deadline and turn 18 on or before Dec. 6, are eligible to vote, per Georgia law.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Monday, November 28.

The bottom line: The ballot must be received by Election Day, Dec. 6 — either by mail or by dropbox. 

Make sure to check your My Voter Page before the Election to ensure it has been accepted. 

Military and overseas voters this year received a ranked-choice runoff ballot for a possible runoff at the same time they received their general election ballot. They could have already submitted a ranked-choice ballot that will count for the runoff.

Of note: If they haven't submitted it, they still can. If they did not request a ballot for the general election, they can request a runoff ballot. 

Military and overseas absentee ballots can be received up to Friday, Dec. 9 as long as they are postmarked by Election Day (Dec. 6). 

Be smart: While all counties are required to hold early voting Monday, Nov. 28 - Friday, Dec. 2, some can decide to hold more if possible. 

Sat., Nov. 26 voting: The state supreme court ruled Wednesday that Saturday early voting can move forward, despite two appeals from the state and from Republican groups.

While the Secretary of State had decided that counties could not hold Saturday early voting the weekend after Thanksgiving, a Fulton County judge found last week that they could, in fact, do so after Sen. Raphael Warnock's campaign sued the state.

Several counties added early voting hours Sat. Nov. 26 as a result, including Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb and Douglas.

Here are the greater metro counties' schedules:

Cherokee County: Sun., Nov. 27 from 12-5pm. Mon.-Fri., Nov. 28 - Dec. 2 from 8:30am-7pm.

Clayton County: Sun. Nov. 27 from 12-5pm. Mon.-Fri., Nov. 28-Dec. 2 from 8am-7pm.

Cobb County: Some locations open Sat. Nov. 26 and Sun. Nov. 27 from 12pm-5pm. All are open Mon.-Fri., Nov. 28-Dec. 2 from 7am-7pm. 

DeKalb County: Wed. Nov. 23 from 7am-7pm (Memorial Drive location only). Sat. Nov. 26 from 7am-7pm (certain locations). Sun. Nov. 27 from 7am-7pm (all locations). Mon.-Fri., Nov. 28-Dec. 2 from 7am-7pm.

Douglas County: Tues.-Wed., Nov. 22-23, Sat., Nov. 26, as well as the week of Mon.-Fri., Nov. 28 -Dec. 2. Polls will be open those days from 8:30am-6pm.

Fayette County: Mon.-Fri., Nov. 28-Dec. 2 from 7am-7pm.

Forsyth County: Mon.-Fri., Nov. 28-Dec. 2 from 9am-7pm.

Fulton County: Sat.-Fri., Nov. 26-Dec.2 from 7am-7pm.

Gwinnett County: Sat.-Fri., Nov. 26-Dec. 2 from 7am–7pm.

Henry County: Mon.-Fri., Nov. 28- Dec.2 from 7am-7pm.

Rockdale County: Sun. Nov. 27 from 10am–3pm; Mon.-Fri., Nov. 28-30 from 8am–5pm; Dec. 1-2 from 8am-7pm.

On December 6, polls will be open from 7am-7pm. You must show up to your assigned polling place to cast a ballot. Check your precinct here.

If you arrive at the wrong polling place after 5pm, you will be able to cast a provisional ballot. If you arrive before 5pm, you will have to go to your precinct. 

Editor's note: This guide has been updated to show that Douglas County is not the only metro county to hold pre-Thanksgiving early voting.

Your guide to voting in Georgia's Senate runoff

The runoff is Dec. 6. Here's when and where you can vote early.

Photo illustration of Herschel Walker and Raphael Warnock in front of the U.S. Capitol.

Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photos: Brandon Bell/Getty Images and Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

2022 elections

It&#x27;s voting time again, Georgia. But there&#x27;s just one box to check.

Emma Hurt

Featured stories

Georgia Democrats' bid for an early president primary to get a vote

A proposed way out of Georgia's runoffs

Your guide to voting in Georgia's Senate runoff

Eat Their Lunch: Chicago Bears

LGB youth more likely to experience trauma, research shows