In an election for Atlanta Mayor today, 10/26/09, eight days until votes are counted, City Council member Mary Norwood has a commanding lead with 46% of the vote, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted for WXIA-TV and V-103 FM radio. If Norwood finishes with less than 50% of the vote, she advances to a 12/01/09 runoff, likely against State Senator Kasim Reed, who today finishes 2nd with 26%. If Norwood receives 50% plus 1 vote, she is elected without a runoff — Atlanta’s first white female mayor. Lisa Borders, city council president, today finishes 3rd.

Norwood leads 6:1 among whites, Republicans, and Independents. Reed leads among blacks, who make up 59% of the electorate in SurveyUSA’s turnout model. If African Americans vote in larger numbers than seen here, a runoff is possible. If whites vote in larger numbers than the 37% seen here, Norwood avoids a runoff. Reed leads among voters focused on jobs. Norwood leads among voters focused on crime. Reed leads among the less affluent. Norwood leads among the more affluent and the more educated. 8% tell SurveyUSA they have already voted.

Click here for full results of this poll.