Marietta Voters Met With 2026 Candidates

Residents gathered at a nonpartisan forum to question candidates running in upcoming state and local races.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Civic Engagement

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Marietta residents attended a nonpartisan forum at Turner Chapel AME Church on Tuesday to engage with candidates running for upcoming state and local offices. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Cobb County voters engaged with candidates for state and local offices during a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters. The event offered residents an opportunity to ask questions directly before the upcoming general election.

Why it matters

The forum allowed local voters to seek information regarding the candidates and their political affiliations in a face-to-face setting. It provided a dedicated space for direct civic engagement ahead of the next major election cycle.

The event took place five weeks before the November 3, 2026 general election, providing a window for voters to interact with candidates. For further inquiries about the forum, residents may contact organizers at 678-913-4664.

The players

League of Women Voters of Georgia

This is a nonpartisan organization that works to expand participation in the democratic process.

Kimberly Scott

She serves as the director of candidate forums and town halls for the League of Women Voters of Georgia.

Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church

This religious institution located on North Marietta Parkway served as the host site for the forum.

The details

Candidates at the event introduced themselves at a microphone before moving to individual booths to address voter questions. Attendees navigated between these stations at the Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church on North Marietta Parkway to conduct face-to-face interviews.

Timeline

  1. The event occurred on September 29, 2026.

  2. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Political Context

Opposition to such forums often centers on concerns regarding the influence of special interest groups and the potential for partisan bias in nominally nonpartisan candidate events. Dissenting groups frequently advocate for stricter moderation or more balanced candidate representation.

This event directly impacts Marietta residents by offering a chance to clarify candidate positions before casting their ballots on November 3. Voters can use these interactions to assess how local policy changes might affect their personal tax obligations and community services.

The takeaway

Direct interaction with candidates allows voters to move beyond campaign advertisements and assess candidate transparency in person. Residents are encouraged to use these forums to prepare for the specific ballot measures and races in their district.

Further reading

For more information on local election resources, visit the Civic Engagement section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.

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