What Is a Runoff Election? Georgia's 2026 Runoffs, Explained
Non-partisan · Updated June 23, 2026
The short version
In Georgia, a candidate must win more than 50% of the vote to win an election. If nobody clears that bar — common when three or more candidates split the vote — the top two finishers face each other in a second election called a runoff. The June 16, 2026 runoff settled the Republican nominations from the May 19 primary: Rick Jackson won the GOP nomination for governor and Mike Collins won the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.
Why does Georgia do this?
Most states let the candidate with the most votes win (a plurality). Georgia is one of the few states that requires an outright majority, a rule dating to the 1960s. Supporters say it ensures winners have broad support; critics note runoffs usually see far lower turnout than the first round.
Who can vote in a runoff?
If you were registered in time for the original election, you can vote in the runoff — even if you skipped the first round. One caveat for primary runoffs: if you voted in one party's primary, you cannot cross over and vote in the other party's runoff. If you didn't vote in either primary, you may choose either party's runoff ballot.
Why runoff turnout matters
Runoff turnout in Georgia routinely drops 30–60% from the first round. That means each vote cast in a runoff carries dramatically more weight. Close races are regularly decided by a few thousand votes statewide — and by a few dozen in local contests.
The June 16, 2026 runoff — completed
The runoff is over. Early voting ran June 6–12 (counties opened between Saturday, June 6 and Monday, June 8) and election day was Tuesday, June 16. Rick Jackson (governor) and Mike Collins (U.S. Senate) won the Republican nominations and now advance to the November 3, 2026 general election against Democrats Keisha Lance Bottoms and Sen. Jon Ossoff. For November, the registration deadline is October 5 and early voting runs October 12–30 — confirm your polling place at the Georgia Secretary of State's My Voter Page (mvp.sos.ga.gov).
Always confirm details for your situation with the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page ↗ or your county election office.
Never miss an election
Get one reminder before each 2026 Georgia election day — registration deadlines, early voting, and what’s on your ballot.
Only election reminders — never shared, never sold. Unsubscribe anytime.
Not sure where you stand?
Take the free 2-minute civic quiz — no partisan labels, no wrong answers. Find your civic profile and the historical figures who shared your values.