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Absentee Ballots Now Available for Nationally Watched Georgia Primaries
Qualifying also begins in GOP, Democratic primaries to decide governor, lieutenant governor races | GOP Senate race wide open
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Georgia voters in the state's nationally watched midterm primaries this year can now apply for absentee ballots. Qualifying also begins Monday in all of the state's nationally watched primaries, including the wide open races for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general. The May 19, 2026, primary will determine the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial nominees this fall.
Why it matters
Georgia's primaries are expected to be closely watched nationally as the state continues to play a pivotal role in national politics. The open gubernatorial race and competitive Senate primary will likely attract significant attention and campaign spending.
The details
Absentee ballots for the May 19 primary will begin being mailed on April 20, 2026. Early voting begins Monday, April 27, 2026, and runs through Friday, May 15, 2026. The GOP contenders for governor include Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, healthcare CEO Rick Jackson, Attorney General Chris Carr, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Several Democrats are hoping to unseat the GOP's hold on the governor's mansion, including former state senator Jason Esteves, former state Labor commissioner and DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
- Absentee ballots can be requested starting on March 2, 2026.
- The last day to request an absentee ballot is May 7, 2026.
- Absentee ballots for the May 19 primary will begin being mailed on April 20, 2026.
- Early voting begins on April 27, 2026 and runs through May 15, 2026.
- The primary election is on May 19, 2026.
The players
Brian Kemp
The current governor of Georgia who is term-limited, leaving the race for the state's 84th chief executive wide open.
Burt Jones
A Republican candidate for governor of Georgia.
Rick Jackson
A Republican candidate for governor of Georgia, who is a healthcare CEO.
Chris Carr
The current Georgia Attorney General and a Republican candidate for governor.
Brad Raffensperger
The current Georgia Secretary of State and a Republican candidate for governor.
What’s next
The qualifying period for candidates in the primaries begins on March 2, 2026. The primary election will be held on May 19, 2026.
The takeaway
Georgia's 2026 primaries will be a key test of the state's political landscape, with high-profile races for governor and U.S. Senate that could have national implications. The open nature of these contests is likely to draw significant attention and campaign spending from both parties.
