1985 Atlanta mayoral election

1985 Atlanta mayoral election

October 8, 1985
Turnout	32.89%
Candidate Andrew Young J.K. Ramey Marvin Yizar Party Nonpartisan Nonpartisan Nonpartisan Popular vote 47,745 7,026 3,856 Percentage 81.43% 11.98 6.57
Mayor before election Andrew Young Democratic Elected mayor Andrew Young Democratic

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

Candidates

• J.K. Ramey, tire store owner
• Marvin Yizar, private investigator and Methodist minister
• 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. Points of contention discussed by opponents included approval of the Presidential Parkway and his overseas traveling to promote Atlanta. 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.

Results

Candidate	Votes	%
Andrew Young (inc.)	47,745	81.4
J.K. Ramey	7,026	11.9
Marvin Yizar	3,856	6.5
Total	58,627	100
Blank/Over Votes	6,832	–
Total ballots	65,459
Registered voters	199,018	32.8
Source: Fulton County Board of Elections{dead link}