Primary: Candidates from the same party compete to become that party’s nominee. You choose a ballot — Democratic, Republican, or nonpartisan (if applicable) — and vote within that race. The winners of each party’s primary then face off in the general election.

General: Nominees from each party (plus any independents) compete for the office.

Municipal: Local elections for city, county, or other local offices. Only voters registered in that specific municipality can vote in these elections.‍

Special: Held outside the regular election calendar to fill a vacancy or decide a specific issue. Common examples:

• An unexpected vacancy (resignation, death, or removal). The Governor issues a writ of election, and the date is set under Georgia law with a required public notice period.
• A local referendum (like a tax or school funding measure), scheduled and run by the county or city elections office.

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Runoff: Held when no candidate wins a majority (50%+1 vote). The top two finishers compete head-to-head.

A few things to know if you’re voting in a runoff:

• Can I vote by mail?
  
  • Yes, but the turnaround is tight. Apply as soon as you can.
• Do I need to have voted in the general election?
  
  • No. Any eligible registered voter can vote in the runoff.
• Can I vote early?
  
  • Yes, but the window is short, typically just the week before the runoff, depending on the county.
• There is no early voting on the Saturday, Sunday, or Monday immediately before Runoff Election Day.
• Where do I vote on Runoff Election Day?
  
  • At your assigned voting location in your county of registration. Look it up on My Voter Page.