The November midterm elections are on everyone's mind as Georgia gears up to be one of the most consequential states this election cycle.
There are two key races at the top of the ticket for governor and U.S. Senate. Both races are relatively close, according to recent polling, and have brought national attention as Democrats perform well across the state and President Trump supports the Republicans.
But for some residents of the Atlanta metro area, there is another election they have to complete first, and it may have an immediate impact on the closely-held Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
Here's what Georgia's 13th congressional district is voting for today.
Is there an election today?
Yes, there is a special election on Tuesday, July 28 in the greater
Atlanta area. Georgians in the 13th congressional district are voting for a new U.S. House representative.
The congressional district includes parts of Clayton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton and Rockdale Counties. The majority of voters are in Gwinnett County, on Atlanta's east side.
Georgia voters can check their polling location and district on the My Voter Page from the Secretary of State's Office.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The seat was previously held by Democrat David Scott, who died in April at the age of 80. Despite concerns about his age and health, he was running for another term at the time of his death.
The winner of the special election will hold the seat until January, when Scott's current term would have come to an end. Primaries for the midterm have already been completed, and whomever wins the general election for Scott's seat will be sworn in to begin a full term in January.
Who is running for David Scott's seat?
Under Georgia law for the special election, all candidates of both parties will appear on one ballot.
Four Democrats and two Republicans are running in the largely blue district. Marcye Scott, David Scott's daughter, is running as a Democrat, along with Everton Blair, Tony Brown and Carlos Moore. Caesar Gonzales and Fayth Park are running as Republicans.
A candidate must reach a 50% majority to win the seat outright. Special elections typically have more candidates, similar to a primary, and are more likely to go to a runoff when no single candidate can earn a simple majority. In the case of a runoff, the top two candidates from the first round of voting will be on the ballot on Aug. 25.
The 13th district will vote for the seat again in November.
Irene Wright covers politics in Georgia as the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is Georgia voting for today? Parts of Atlanta metro head to polls
