GEORGIA — Incumbent Fani Willis has a hefty lead over challenger Courtney Kramer in the Fulton County district attorney’s race in the 2024 general election.

The local race has garnered national attention due to two high-profile cases being prosecuted by Willis’ office: one against former President Donald Trump and another resolved case against mainstream rapper Young Thug.

The polls closed at 7 p.m. in the 2024 general election in Georgia. Candidates must clear a 50 percent plus one vote threshold to avoid a runoff.

Willis, a Democrat who endured national scrutiny during her prosecution of Trump in a racketeering case, is seeking reelection against Kramer, a Republican attorney practicing election and political law.

Trump stands accused of trying to overturn the 2020 presidential results with 18 others in Georgia, and Willis has faced criticism after a supposedly private improper relationship with one of her top prosecutors on the case was made public.

The former president and his allies have worked to remove Willis from the closely watched case, but as of Election Day, Willis remained as prosecutor.

Willis’ office prosecuted another high-profile defendant, rapper Jeffery “Young Thug” Williams. During a nearly yearlong trial, Williams fought against gang and racketeering charges along with five others.

Prosecutors contended Williams was the leader of an alleged street gang, Young Slime Life, while his defense claimed YSL is Williams’ record label, Young Stoner Life. Multiple witnesses have also testified to this sentiment.

Four defendants, including Williams, have pled guilty to various charges in the case. Williams was ultimately sentenced to 40 years, with five years in prison commuted to time served and 15 years probation. He is also banned from metro Atlanta for the first 10 years of his probation, excluding times when he must hold four anti-gang presentations in the metro for the youth.

Two defendants, Shannon “SB” Stillwell and Deamonte “Yak Gotti” Kendrick, remain on trial – each facing at least one murder charge along with other charges.

Kramer has consistently turned to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say she would immediately end the YSL trial if she became district attorney.

Willis has not publicly responded to Kramer’s tweets.

In the race for top county prosecutor, Patch will update with the latest unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s office as they are filed.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – James White III, a former prisoner-turned-prosecutor, was told in the 2016 election that he couldn’t vote.

“That was because they said I wasn’t finished with my probation,” he said.

White said he had already paid his dues to society and could have been offered the option to fill out what is called a felon affidavit.

“It says, ‘Yes, I’ve committed a felony and I’ve completed that sentence and now I want to vote,’” said White.

He said a certificate of sentence completion also helps. He is now making sure those who were locked up know that they can vote, as long as they have finished their sentence or probation.

“There are so many people who have felony convictions that are done with probation. That means there are a ton of people out there ready to vote,” said White.

FULL ELECTION DAY GUIDE

Nonprofits like New Georgia Project are also reaching out.

“Our goal is really to reach that hard-to-find voter,” said Stephanie Jackson-Ali, policy director of New Georgia Project.

They will be offering free rides to the polls on Election Day.

“These are often seniors who are unable to drive themselves, or members within the disability community,” said Jackson-Ali.

The nonprofit is also spreading the word to young adults.

“They might be moving apartments frequently. They are working jobs with particularly irregular hours,” Jackson-Ali said.

Both Gwinnett and Fulton counties said they’re ready for any voter who shows up Tuesday.

“We are going to run the best election in the United States of America tomorrow morning,” said Robb Pitts, chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Gwinnett County is also beefing up election security, adding more police officers around the county.

This is happening as all eyes are set on battleground states such as Georgia.

If you are a convicted felon hoping to learn more about your voting rights, Georgia Justice Project can help. They can be reached at 404-827-0027 ext. 248 or Ann@GJP.org.

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