1985 Atlanta mayoral election

Summary

The 1985 Atlanta mayoral election took place on October 8, 1985. Incumbent Mayor Andrew Young easily won a second term against token opposition.[1]

1985 Atlanta mayoral election

← 1981 October 8, 1985 1989 →
Turnout32.89%
 
Candidate Andrew Young J.K. Ramey Marvin Yizar
Party Nonpartisan Nonpartisan Nonpartisan
Popular vote 47,745 7,026 3,856
Percentage 81.43% 11.98 6.57

Mayor before election

Andrew Young
Democratic

Elected Mayor

Andrew Young
Democratic

Candidates edit

  • J.K. Ramey, tire store owner
  • Marvin Yizar, private investigator and Methodist minister[2][3]
  • Andrew Young, incumbent Mayor

Campaign edit

During Young's first term, he was credited with uniting his natural constituency of black voters and the Atlanta white business establishment. Accomplishments touted by Mayor Young included bringing new businesses to Atlanta and a plan to revive Underground Atlanta.[4] Points of contention discussed by opponents included approval of the Presidential Parkway and his overseas traveling to promote Atlanta.[5] Nevertheless, economic prosperity and personal popularity for Mayor Young resulted in no major opponents stepping forward. The lack of credible opposition resulted in low turnout for the election.[6]

Results edit

Candidate Votes %
Andrew Young (inc.) 47,745 81.4
J.K. Ramey 7,026 11.9
Marvin Yizar 3,856 6.5
Total 58,627 100
Blank/Over Votes 6,832
Total ballots 65,459
Registered voters 199,018 32.8
Source: Fulton County Board of Elections{dead link}

References edit

  1. ^ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (October 10, 1985). "YOUNG WINS IN ATLANTA; RUNOFFS IN 2 OTHER CITIES - The New York Times". The New York Times. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  2. ^ "Atlanta's Mayor Young Faces Comic, Salesman and Private Eye In Election". Associated Press.
  3. ^ "Rome News-Tribune - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com.
  4. ^ "Observer article" (PDF). fultonhistory.com.
  5. ^ "Young likely to be reelected despite rumbles of dissatisfaction". October 7, 1985 – via Christian Science Monitor.
  6. ^ "Young Is Expected To Win In Atlanta - The New York Times". The New York Times. October 8, 1985. Retrieved September 20, 2018.