Voters head to polls for DeKalb runoff

The last of this year’s elections to overhaul DeKalb’s government is being held today, when voters will decide representation for 350,000 residents in the eastern half of the county.

The runoff for DeKalb Commission Super District 7 is between Greg Adams, an Emory University police officer, and Randal Mangham, an attorney.

The winner of the race will play a key role in shaping the future of a county going through a leadership transformation. Incoming officials include CEO Mike Thurmond and District Attorney Sherry Boston, and four new commissioners will have been elected in the last two years.

Adams and Mangham received the most votes of nine candidates in the Nov. 8 special election to replace former Commissioner Stan Watson, who resigned in March to make an unsuccessful run for county tax commissioner. About 26 percent picked Adams, and 16 percent chose Mangham.

Both candidates have campaigned on the need for accountable government and a stronger DeKalb police force.

Adams, a bishop for Restoration in Christ International Ministries, has never held elected office but previously campaigned for several county offices. Mangham was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives for a decade before running for governor in 2010.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.