Georgia Heads to Runoff Polls Tuesday to Settle Key Primary Races
A May primary that left major races unresolved sends Georgia voters back to polling places Tuesday, with a high-stakes U.S. Senate runoff leading the ballot.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Georgia voters return to the polls Tuesday to decide a series of primary runoff races that will determine which candidates advance to face off in the November 3 general election, following a first round of voting last month that left several high-profile contests unresolved.
The May primary produced a handful of clear winners, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who secured the Democratic nomination for governor. However, several major races failed to produce a candidate with an outright majority, triggering four additional weeks of campaigning before Tuesday’s runoffs.
What Voters Need to Know Before Heading Out
Voters must select either a Democratic or Republican ballot and may only cast votes for candidates within that party, as well as any non-partisan races such as judgeships. Those who prefer can choose a non-partisan ballot, but will then only be eligible to vote in non-partisan contests.
Voters who chose a Democratic or Republican ballot in the May primary are restricted to that same party’s ballot in the runoff. Those who previously selected a non-partisan ballot or sat out the May election may choose either party’s primary ballot on Tuesday.
On Election Day, voters are required to cast ballots at their assigned precincts. The Georgia Secretary of State’s “My Voter Page” at mvp.sos.ga.gov allows voters to look up their precinct information and view sample ballots. Valid photo identification is required to vote.
High-Profile Republican Races Draw Statewide Attention
Two contests on the Republican side have commanded the most attention and dominated Georgia’s airwaves throughout the runoff period, according to the Georgia Recorder.
Congressman Mike Collins and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley are competing in a Republican runoff for the U.S. Senate seat. The two candidates faced each other at an Atlanta Press Club debate on May 31, 2026, as both campaigns worked to consolidate Republican support ahead of Tuesday’s vote.
How to Find Your Ballot and Candidate Information
The Georgia Recorder has published a Voter Guide specifically covering the 2026 runoff elections, detailing candidate information for the races appearing on Tuesday’s ballots. Voters can access precinct assignments and sample ballots through the Georgia Secretary of State’s online portal before heading to the polls.
Whichever party’s primary ballot a voter selects in the runoff, they will be free to vote for candidates from either party when the November 3 general election arrives.
