Early voting begins Monday across Georgia for the June 16 Primary Runoff Election, giving voters an opportunity to cast ballots before Election Day.
The runoff election was triggered after several statewide and local races failed to garner more than 50% of the vote during the May 19th primary election. Under Georgia law, the top two vote-getters advance to a runoff.
Among the most closely watched contests is the Republican runoff for the U.S. Senate nomination, where U.S. Rep. Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley are competing for the chance to challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in November. The Republican gubernatorial nomination is also headed to a runoff between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson.
On the Democratic ticket, state senator Josh McLuarin and former state senator Nabilah Parkes are vying for the opportunity to face the still-to-be-determined Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Former state senator John F. Kennedy and senator Greg Dolezal will face off for the spot on the Republican ballot.
Additional statewide runoff races are on the ballot for several constitutional offices, though the exact contests voters will see depend on the party ballot selected during the May primary. Voters who cast a ballot in the May primary election are required to select the same party ballot in the runoff election. Those who did not vote in the primary may choose either party’s runoff ballot.
Turnout is traditionally lower in runoff elections, which is why election officials and candidates alike are encouraging voters to cast a ballot early if they won’t be in town on June 16.
Early in-person voting will continue through Friday, June 12.
Election Day for the runoff is Tuesday, June 16. Voters can verify their registration status, polling locations, and sample ballots through Georgia’s My Voter Page.
