Atlanta Prepares for May 21 Primary Election, Water and Sewer Question Added to Ballot

The Office of the Municipal Clerk announced the City of Atlanta’s May 21 Primary Election ballot question to reimpose the City’s one percent sales tax to fund water and sewer projects. The voter registration deadline for the election is Monday, April 22.

If approved, the Municipal Options Sales Tax (MOST) will raise an estimated $1.1 billion. This substantial amount will be used to fund critical infrastructure improvements to the city’s water and sewer system. The tax would go into effect Oct. 1, 2024, for a maximum period of 16 calendar quarters or until Sept. 30, 2028.

The Atlanta City Council previously approved legislation to add the ballot question to the May 21 Primary Election.

Early voting for the May 21 Primary Election begins on Monday, April 29, and ends on Friday, May 17. Saturday voting will be held May 4 and May 11 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 5, from noon to 5 p.m.

Key Dates:
Voter Registration Deadline: April 22
Early Voting: April 29 – May 17
Saturday Voting: May 4 and May 11
Sunday Voting: May 5
Election Day: May 21

Residents initially approved the sales tax in 2004 and have voted four times to reimpose the measure in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.

The ballot question reads as follows:
“Shall a special one percent (1%) sales and use tax be reimposed in the city of Atlanta for a period not to exceed 16 calendar quarters and for the raising of not more than One Billion One Hundred Million Dollars and Zero Cents ($1,100.000,000.00) to fund water and sewer projects and costs?”

The Fulton County Board of Elections and Registration will conduct the election. Click here for a current list of early voting locations.