Early Voting In Primary Runoff Nears In GA: Here's What You Should Know

Early voters will soon head to the polls to decide a number of runoff elections in the 2026 Georgia midterm primary.

On the ballot is the race to become the Peach State's next governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and U.S. senator.

Early voting will be held from June 8-12 ahead of Election Day on June 16. The last day to register to vote in the runoff was May 18.

Absentee ballots will be accepted until June 5. Voters had until March 30 to request an absentee ballot.

The Georgia Secretary of State's Office offers a list of early voting locations. Voters can also check the Secretary of State's website for races on the ballot in their county.

Voters should go to the My Voter Page to determine if they are eligible to vote and to find their polling place and early voting locations. Voters can also confirm their addresses are up to date and view sample ballots.

Georgia's law requires photo ID while voting — either in-person or absentee.

The following identifications are accepted for voting, according to the Secretary of State's office:

• Any valid state or federal government-issued photo ID, including a free ID issued by your county registrar's office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services
• A Georgia driver's license, even if expired
• Student ID from a Georgia public college or university
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of this state
• Valid U.S. passport ID
• Valid U.S. military photo ID containing a photograph of the voter
• Valid tribal photo ID containing a photograph of the voter

Meet the Candidates

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms has punched her ticket to the Nov. 3 general election, but Rick Jackson and Burt Jones are still fighting to represent the GOP in the gubernatorial race.

Neither of them cleared the required 50 percent plus one vote in the May 19 primary to avoid a runoff.

Jackson and Jones, two businessmen who pride themselves on being Trump supporters, have been duking it out in the political ring.

In the past, Jones argued that his conservative record as a state senator and lieutenant governor, combined with Trump's endorsement, should make him the clear choice for Republican voters. Jackson betted that his outside pitch will win over antiestablishment conservatives. (More about the candidates: GOP Runoff Looms, Dems Nominate Bottoms In Race For GA Governor)

At the federal level, Republicans U.S. Rep. Mike Collins and former college football coach Derek Dooley remain on the campaign trail for a chance to race against Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, who ran unopposed in the primary.

Collins is the likely opponent for Ossoff, according to predictions from Real Clear Polling, which also surmised Ossoff could potentially defeat Collins by a thin margin.

The margin of defeat could be a little wider for Ossoff if he is to win the race against Dooley, according to poll predictions.

Republicans currently control the Senate over the Democrats, 53-45. There are also two Independents seated in the Senate. (More about the candidates: Few Ossoff Challengers Push Trump-Forward Agenda Ahead Of GA Primary)

A runoff for lieutenant governor will pit former state senator Nabilah Parkes and former state house representative and state senator Josh McLaurin, both Democrats, against one another and Georgia Sen. John F. Kennedy and businessman and state senator Greg Dolezal against each other in the GOP race.

If he takes office, McLaurin said he will work toward reversing the six-week abortion ban and reroute state funding to benefit working families. Parkes vowed to raise classroom funding and expand Medicaid.

Dolezal said he will fully fund law enforcement and eliminate Dominion voting machines while restoring election integrity. Law enforcement and farm families will have Kennedy's support.

• Race For Georgia's 2nd Highest Office Heats Up: Meet The Lt. Gov. Candidates

Georgia Rep. Tim Fleming and former state representative Vernon Jones are the Republican runoff candidates for secretary of state. Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett is running against fellow Democrat and Fulton County Superior Court Judge Penny Brown Reynolds.

Fleming supports deportation of non-citizens and the protection of conservative values while Jones wants to eliminate the risk of unlawful voter participation and simplify the state licensing process.

Reynolds aims to expand early voting sites and accessible voting centers, as well as promote rapid licensure. Barrett is eyeing secure elections and the investment in small business owners.

• GA Midterm 2026: Get To Know SOS Candidates

• Miller, Strickland Top Projected Winners In GA Primary 2026: See List

The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing.