1985 Atlanta mayoral election

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

Candidates

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

Campaign

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

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

References

1. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (1985-10-10). "YOUNG WINS IN ATLANTA; RUNOFFS IN 2 OTHER CITIES - The New York Times". Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2018-09-20.
2. "Atlanta's Mayor Young Faces Comic, Salesman and Private Eye In Election".
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". 7 October 1985 – via Christian Science Monitor.
6. "Young Is Expected To Win In Atlanta - The New York Times". Nytimes.com. 1985-10-08. Retrieved 2018-09-20.