Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed led a field of several candidates in Tuesday's election. Incumbent Shirley Franklin was barred from law from seeking another term.
With all the votes counted early Wednesday, Norwood led with 46 percent of the vote; Reed garnered 36 percent.
Most political observers say having to wait another three weeks before the race is decided will only serve to further polarize voters along racial lines.
If elected, Norwood would become the city's first white mayor in a generation.
Election officials are estimating voter turnout could be at its lowest in recent memory, with far fewer than the originally estimated 35 percent of registered voters casting ballots Tuesday.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/11/224486