Georgia Elections

This page provides information regarding federal and state level elections and state policy information and impacts for the state of Georgia. If you would like information regarding another state, please fill out the contact form and request it by selecting the topic “State Elections Request.”

ELECTION CALENDAR

Note this calendar does not include dates that have already passed. The full Georgia election calendar is available here.

Make Your Voting Plan

  • Visit mvp.sos.ga.gov and verify your voter registration. Be sure to double check your name, address, and voting precinct location.

    If you are not registered to vote, please see this video for assistance.

  • Your sample ballot can be found on mvp.sos.ga.gov. Research all of the candidates as well as any referendums or addendums before voting. One helpful tool is Ballotpedia’s Sample Ballot Review

  • Absentee ballot applications open on August 19th. Ballot applications are due October 25th. All ballots must be postmarked by election day, November 5th.

    Watch this helpful video on requesting an absentee ballot courtesy of 11Alive News.

  • See the early voting dates and deadlines above. You can vote early at any participating early voting precinct. Check your county elections website for early voting locations as they can change year to year.

  • Polls are open 7 AM to 7 PM. As long as you are in line before 7 PM, you must be permitted to vote. If you cannot make it before 7 PM to your assigned polling precinct, please visit the precinct closest to you within your county and ask for a provisional ballot. If you are at risk of not being available on election day, please make a plan to vote early.

  • In the event that there is a runoff election, the same information can be used. Deadlines for absentee ballots and early voting will be updated on this page as needed.

    For General Primary Election results and to view which elections require a runoff, click here. Any race with no yellow-starred declared winner is in a runoff.

Voting Checklist

  • Identification: You must have your license or state ID in order to cast your ballot. Accepted forms of identification include:

    • Any valid state or federal government-issued photo ID, including a free ID card 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

Ballot Measures

The questions for each ballot measure are below. There are Tik Tok explainer videos and a carousel explainer below as well for further information on each ballot measure.

@tiffanielanelle #Georgia I like these early vote numbers!! We have three ballot measures. Heres HB 808 and HR 598. Stay tuned for HR 1022 😩 #policy #politics #politicaltiktok #political #commentary #blackwomantiktok #news ♬ I Like You (A Happier Song) - Post Malone
@tiffanielanelle #Georgia lets chat about this complicated homestead exemption resolution and bill. Yes, its two different but connected things 🙃 #policy #politics #politicaltiktok #political #commentary #blackwomantiktok #news #homeowner ♬ original sound - Tiffanie Lanelle

Redistricting

The redistricting plan approved for Georgia elections in 2024 has redefined the boundaries of various electoral districts across the state. These changes have been made amidst significant legal battles, reflecting population shifts and changes in representation in the state legislature and Congress. The legal challenges have focused on concerns of gerrymandering and fair representation. The Supreme Court's 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder to strike down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has led to multiple states, including Georgia, facing contested redistricting efforts as they no longer needed federal preclearance for changes. Voters should be aware of their new district assignments and how these changes may impact their local representation.

Whether impacted by redistricting or not, your district numbers can be found by logging into My Voter Page and clicking the “My Districts & Elected Officials” tab. There are hyperlinks for Candidates Elected, District Maps, State Districts, and Federal Districts. Your State Senate, State House, and Congressional Districts are all hyperlinked and lead to your current representation.

Policy

Click a topic to see passed legislation that could impact you or your community. The policies listed below are for educational purposes only and are not intended to lobby for or against any listed legislation. All bills below have been passed and have gone into effect or will go into effect over the next year. For any bills with a “Nay” or “Abstain” vote of over 20% in either the House or Senate chamber for any vote taken on the floor, opposition context is included for reference.

Voting Rights and Elections

  • This bill makes challenging voters and ballots easier. Voter challenges were included in the controversial omnibus bill SB 202 in 2021. This bill also makes it easier for poll watchers to get closer to poll workers and ballot counters. QR codes will also be removed from ballots, enforcing a restriction on machine coded tabulation of votes. Unhoused voters also face a new hurdle for voting due to address requirement changes for the unhoused community.

    Resources: SB 189, Three Voter Suppression Laws Signed by Kemp, What is a Frankenbill and How do they Work?

  • Makes all ballots digitized and available for public view. This can lead to more voter challenges, mass challenges, or citizen-led audits of ballots. The bill provides that no personal identifying information of voters will be visible.

    Resources: HB 970, Three Voter Suppression Laws Signed by Kemp, What is a Frankenbill and How do they Work?

  • Requires election workers to be U.S. citizens only. Reopens the candidate qualification period if no candidate qualifies during the initial period. It also permits candidates to review and verify election ballots before finalization. Election superintendents are authorized to determine the number of voting booths in general elections below the minimum of one machine per every 250 voters. The bill sets additional rules for poll watchers, prohibiting violence or threats against them or election officials, and establishes penalties for interfering with election conduct.

    Resources: SB 1207, Three Voter Suppression Laws Signed by Kemp, What is a Frankenbill and How do they Work?

Housing

  • This bill is considered by some as a response the Deerlake Homeowners Association, Inc. v. Brown Georgia Court of Appeals case. The case decided that homeowner associations (HOAs) must seek self-help remedies prior to imposing hefty fines, fees, or seeking further legal resolutions. This bill negates this court decision by permitting HOAs to simply provide a 10-day notice of any violations or needed remedies before seeking additional action against the homeowner. There are no self-help remedies needed and the notice can be waived under certain conditions.

    Resources: HB 220, Deerlake Homeowners Association, Inc. V. Craig Brown :2021: Court of Appeals of Georgia Decisions

  • Adds the requirement that dwellings (houses, apartments, etc.) be provision that the premises are  fit for human habitation. It also limits landlords from demanding more than two months’ rent as a security deposit and establishes a three-day notice period before a landlord can begin eviction proceedings. The bill does not define what “fit for human habitation” means and drew some criticism for the open interpretation that leaves, but overall received support from housing advocates as a good start.

    Resources: HB404, As Georgia's "Safe at Home Act" inches toward governor's desk, 'habitability' still undefined

  • Addresses property tax reforms in Georgia by capping annual property assessment increases at 3%, aiming to provide relief to homeowners facing rapidly rising property taxes. This legislation allows local governments to opt out of the homestead exemption through a resolution process involving public hearings and advertisements. HB 581 also includes provisions for revising deadlines, selection criteria, and required contents for annual economic analyses of tax benefits. Before taking effect in January 2025, voter approval in a November referendum is required. A provision is included to allow governments to increase sales taxes by a one cent on $1 of sales to replace property taxes as some counties already have in place.

    Resources: HB 581 (ga.gov), HB581 | BillTrack50, Rise in taxable value of homes in Georgia would be capped if voters approve (atlantanewsfirst.com), Sine Die 2024: Revenue - Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (gbpi.org)

  • Provides more rights and a speedier process for homeowners to have squatters who have illegally taken residence in their property removed. Prior to this bill, law enforcement frequently had no legal basis to remove squatters from properties without the homeowner going through the eviction process.

    Resources: HB 1017, Georgia Squatter Reform Act signed into law | 11alive.com

Business, Economy, and Environment

  • Increases the statewide ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property from $7,500 to $20,000. This exemption does not apply to motor vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes. The bill specifies the terms and conditions of the exemption and the procedures relating to its implementation. It also mandates a voter referendum to approve the exemption. HB 808 aims to provide tax relief to businesses by reducing their property tax burden on equipment and other tangible assets.

    Opposition Context: Opponents of HB 808 argue that increasing the tax exemption could significantly reduce the tax revenues for local governments, which rely on these funds to support public services such as education, infrastructure, and emergency services. They worry that the loss in revenue could lead to budget shortfalls and force local governments to find alternative funding sources, potentially increasing other taxes or cutting essential services.

    Also note, this bill is intended for small businesses and businesses in Georgia alone, not personal property pertaining to personal homes.

    Resources: Georgia General Assembly - HB 808 (ga.gov), GA HB808 | BillTrack50, Sine Die 2024: Revenue - Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (gbpi.org), Georgia Personal Property Tax Exemption Increase Measure - Ballotpedia, Georgia voters could decide whether to lower tangible personal property tax - The Georgia Virtue

  • Reduces Georgia's state income tax rate from 5.49% to 5.39%, effective retroactively to January 1, 2024. This measure is part of a larger tax relief package aimed at providing savings to Georgia taxpayers, equating to save middle-income households an average of $34 over a full year. ​The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute estimates “13.1% of the overall savings ($47.3 million of $361 million) will benefit the first 60% of Georgia households earning up to $77,000 annually.”

    Opposition Context: Opponents of HB 1015 argue that the tax cuts primarily benefit higher-income individuals and may result in reduced revenue for essential public services. Critics express concerns that the decrease in tax revenue could impact funding for education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. They also highlight the potential for increased economic inequality as a result of the tax cuts, suggesting that the benefits are not equitably distributed among all income groups.

    Resources: HB 1015 (ga.gov), HB 1015 | BillTrack50, Sine Die 2024: Revenue - Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (gbpi.org), GA lawmakers approve income tax cuts for people and businesses | 11alive.com, Georgia lawmakers approve income tax cuts for people and businesses | AP News

  • Reduces the corporate income tax rate in Georgia to match the individual income tax rate, lowering it from 5.75% to 5.39% for the 2024 tax year. This measure aims to enhance Georgia's business-friendly environment, encouraging investment and job creation by reducing the tax burden on corporations.​

    Opposition Context: Opponents of HB 1023 argue that while tax cuts can stimulate economic growth, they also risk reducing state revenue needed for essential public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Critics are concerned that these cuts primarily benefit higher-income individuals and corporations, potentially increasing economic inequality. Additionally, there is apprehension about the long-term financial impact on the state's budget, especially in times of economic downturn​.

    Resources: Georgia General Assembly - HB 1023 (ga.gov), Georgia lawmakers approve income tax cuts for people and businesses | AP News, GA lawmakers approve income tax cuts for people and businesses | 11alive.com, Sine Die 2024: Revenue - Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (gbpi.org)

  • Removes references to the public trust doctrine in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) that asserts that certain resources like water are preserved for public use, and the government must maintain it for the public's reasonable use. It guarantees the public's right to use all navigable streams as highways and for hunting and fishing. The legislation was introduced to address concerns raised by waterfront property owners following a previous bill that declared citizens' rights to use the state's waterways under the public trust doctrine​​.

    Opposition Context: Opponents argue that removing the public trust doctrine from the legislation could limit public access to Georgia’s rivers and streams. Critics, including environmental groups and recreational users, are concerned that without the public trust doctrine, activities such as swimming, wading, and scientific research could be restricted. They also worry that waterfront property owners could prohibit these activities, potentially leading to reduced public use and enjoyment of these natural resources. Additionally, some believe the bill does not go far enough to ensure comprehensive access to all navigable waterways.

    Resources: Georgia General Assembly - HB 1172 (ga.gov), GA HB 1172 | BillTrack50, Fishing rights bill wins final passage in General Assembly | (capitol-beat.org), Protect Freedom to Float - Georgia River Network (garivers.org)

  • Was originally intended to provide support for electric vehicles but was changed to adjust the terms of the Public Service Commissioners (PSC). The PSC is responsible for regulating the cost and reliability of our public utility companies, such as GA Power, our telecom services, and natural gas services. and they have not been on the ballot since the 2020 election. This bill increases their term lengths from six to eight years and delays the PSC elections.

    Resources: HB 1312, Dangerous Commissions Bill Undermines Will of GA voters

Education and Employment

  • HB 82 expands the rural physician tax credit to dentists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. This bill is intended to encourage students and practitioners to practice in rural areas in Georgia. HB 872 provides service-cancelable loans to dental students and other healthcare professionals in rural areas. A similar bill (SB 480) does the same for mental health and substance use professionals with a student loan repayment program.

    Resources: HB 82, HB 872, SB 480

  • Reestablishes the Office of Charter School Compliance under the State Charter Schools Commission, moving it from the Georgia Department of Education. It requires charter school authorizers to itemize and value the services provided to each local charter school in exchange for administrative fees and ensures funding is based on actual student enrollment rather than projected enrollment, provided it does not exceed the cap outlined in the charter contract. The bill also creates the Office of District Flexibility and prevents capital outlay grants from being provided to local school systems for a period of ten years after initially receiving a grant that met their need.

    Opposition Context: Opponents of HB 318 argue that moving the Office of Charter School Compliance from the Georgia Department of Education to the State Charter Schools Commission could reduce oversight and accountability. They are concerned that the changes in administrative fees and funding provisions might disadvantage traditional public schools by diverting more funds to charter schools without sufficient checks and balances. Additionally, critics worry that this bill could exacerbate inequalities in the education system by prioritizing charter schools over public schools.

    Resources: HB 318 (ga.gov), GA HB318 | BillTrack50, New GBPI/UGA Poll Shows Georgians Oppose Private School Vouchers; Support Funding Public Schools - Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, Gov. Kemp Signs Bills to Benefit Georgia’s Public Charter Schools | Georgia Charter Schools Association (gacharters.org)

  • Expands the Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen Scholarship (REACH) to include victims of human trafficking as eligible scholars and provides guidance on how much each participating school system must provide based on specific criteria. The state will provide $9,000 for each $10,000 scholarship, while the participating school system will fund the remaining $1,000.

    Resources: HB970 | BillTrack50, HB 970 (ga.gov)

  • Establishes new duties for the State Workforce Development Board to develop a High-Demand Career List (HDCL) to be used in collaboration with the previously created High-Demand Career Initiatives (HDCI) program. Employers will be eligible to receive funding for creating or expanding a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). This is aimed at eliminating the confusion of having multiple state lists.

    Resources: HB 982

  • HB 1122 – State Charter Schools Commission and School Choice Advancement,

    Modifies the funding provisions for Georgia's public charter schools, effective Fiscal Year 2026. Establishes a school ranking system that will be used for a “single score” of 0-100. Approximately $6 million will fund a superintendent for each state charter school with at least 1,000 students, a principal for each state and local charter school serving the 9th through 12th grades, and one principal per 300 students for state and local charter schools serving K-8th grades, with a limit of two principals. It also allows children of employees to attend the school where their parent or guardian is employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

    Opposition Context: Critics of HB 1122 express concerns that the bill's provisions could lead to a decrease in funding for traditional public schools. They argue that allocating more resources to charter schools might come at the expense of public school students, potentially widening the gap in educational quality and opportunities between different types of schools. Opponents also worry that the delay in implementing funding provisions until Fiscal Year 2026 may cause uncertainty and hinder the immediate needs of both charter and public schools.

    Resources: HB1122 | BillTrack50, HB 1122 (ga.gov), Georgia lawmakers approve more funding for charter schools - The Georgia Virtue, GAE Legislative Alert - Legislative Session Detailed Summary

  • Establishes the Georgia Education Savings Authority which will oversee educational savings accounts for students zoned into the lowest 25% of Georgia schools. This school voucher program will provide $6,500 per qualifying student from families earning less than 400% of the federal poverty limit. The bill also provides funding for new pre-K classrooms in public schools.

    Opposition Context: Opponents argue that the voucher program diverts much-needed funds from public schools, particularly those in high-poverty areas. Critics highlight that many eligible schools serve predominantly Black and low-income students, and the diversion of funds could worsen existing inequalities. They argue that instead of vouchers, investments should be made directly into these underfunded schools to address systemic issues and improve overall educational outcomes​. Additionally, there are concerns that the $6,500 vouchers may not fully cover the cost of private education, leaving low-income families unable to afford the difference. This could potentially limit the effectiveness of the program in providing real choices for disadvantaged students.

    Resources: SB233 | BillTrack50, SB 233 (ga.gov), Gold Dome Report – House Education Committee Report, Sine Die 2024 - Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (gbpi.org), Georgia $6,500 school vouchers - WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta, School choice in the United States - Ballotpedia, Georgia Governor Signs School Voucher Bill to Give $6,500 Toward Private Tuition – The 74 (the74million.org)

  • Establishes guidelines for the Department of Education to develop and provide model programs for social media literacy for students in grades 6-12, including impacts to youth mental health and cyberbullying. Anyone under the age of 16 will require parental permission to create a social media account and all social media companies will be required to verify age before July 1, 2025. Users 18 or over will be required to provide a government-issued ID to verify age.

    Resources: GA SB351 | BillTrack50, SB 351 (ga.gov), Kemp signs bill requiring kids to have parental permission to join social media (fox5atlanta.com), sb 351 - ACLU of Georgia (acluga.org)

  • Establishes the State of Georgia as a Model Employer (GAME) Program. This program aims to improve the recruitment, hiring, advancement, and retention of qualified individuals with disabilities at all levels and across all occupations within state employment. It outlines specific duties for the State ADA Coordinator.

    Resources: SB 384 (ga.gov)

  • Establishes a program to provide funds for teachers to purchase school supplies through an online purchasing system. This legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on teachers who often pay for classroom supplies out of pocket. Additionally, the bill introduces a universal reading screener in public schools to standardize literacy assessments across the state. The program is subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and the availability of other funds.

    Resource: SB 464 (ga.gov)

  • Renames the High-demand Career Initiatives Program (HDCI) to the High Demand Apprenticeship Program (HDAP). It expands the program, prioritizing students aged 15-21. It also attempts to align the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) with workforce needs. It changes the number of apprenticeships from 5 to 10, spreading the funding from $10,000 per apprenticeship program to $5,000 per apprenticeship. The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) must also establish a community service apprenticeship program for state and local governments. All guidelines and changes to the program will expire in 2027.

    Resources: SB 497 (ga.gov), Gold Dome Report - Legislative Day 31, High Demand Apprenticeship Program (HDAP) – TCSG

Healthcare

  • Permits minors and adults to have a guardian or caregiver present at all times in a hospital or long term care facility. All visitors must abide by the rules and regulations of the facility and facility staff are not required to admit visitors into isolation or operating rooms, or other typically restricted areas.

    Resources: HB 663 (ga.gov), How lonely COVID death of lawmaker’s mother inspired new law (ajc.com)

  • Increases access to healthcare by easing regulations for the construction and operation of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas. Key changes include exempting proposals to build hospitals in rural counties from obtaining a Certificate of Need (CON) if they meet specific criteria, such as having a full-time emergency room, becoming a teaching hospital within 3 years of opening, joining the statewide trauma system, accepting psychiatric and substance-abuse patients, and participating in Medicaid. The bill also raises the rural hospital tax credit cap from $75 million to $100 million and allows closed rural hospitals to reopen without a CON.

    Opposition Context: Critics of HB 1339 argue that loosening CON regulations could harm struggling hospitals by allowing new outpatient facilities to siphon off wealthier, insured patients, leaving hospitals with a higher burden of uninsured patients requiring more expensive emergency care. They also highlight that the bill does not address the broader issue of Medicaid expansion, which they argue would be more effective in improving healthcare access and financial stability for hospitals. Opponents are concerned that the bill's provisions might not sufficiently support the existing hospitals in rural areas and could lead to a more fragmented healthcare system​.

    Resources: Georgia General Assembly - HB 1339 (ga.gov), GA HB1339 | BillTrack50, Dueling legislation seeks to ease rules on new hospitals (ajc.com), CON overhaul gains final passage in General Assembly | (capitol-beat.org)

  • Authorizes the possession and use of opioid antagonists, such as naloxone (Narcan), in Georgia schools. The bill allows schools to maintain a stock supply of these life-saving medications and permits school personnel, including teachers, administrators, and even visitors, to carry and administer them. This expands the current policy, which only allows school nurses to stock and use these medications. The bill aims to enhance the ability of schools to respond to opioid overdoses.

    Resources: SB 395 (ga.gov), GA SB395 | BillTrack50, Bill to put Narcan kits in Georgia schools clears Senate vote nearly unanimously – WSB-TV Channel 2 (wsbtv.com), Law Requiring Narcan, Similar Products in Schools & Gov't Buildings Signed by Governor - The Georgia Virtue

Immigration

Crime and Legal System

Resources