There's a reason President Donald Trump tried to incentivize voters with $5,000 payments: These midterms have the potential for changing the government top to bottom, including multiple key Georgia positions appearing on the ballot.
Here in Georgia, there are a couple key races, including governor and senate.
Here's what to know about the midterm election in Georgia.
When is the midterm election?
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
When does early voting in Georgia start and end for the 2026 election?
Those wanting to vote early can do so Tuesday, Oct. 13 through Friday, Oct. 30. Exact dates/times may vary by county, so it's important to check yours at mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/advanced-voting-location-information.
More key 2026 Georgia election deadlines
General Primary and Nonpartisan Election: May 19General Primary and Nonpartisan Runoff: June 16Special Election for House District 13: July 28- General Election registration deadline: Oct. 5
- General Election early voting: Oct. 13-30
- General Election: Nov. 3
If a
runoff is necessary in this year's general midterm, it will be on Dec. 1 with early voting possible Nov. 23-25.
Can I still vote by mail in Georgia?
Georgians can still vote by mail, but they have to submit a request first. You can request an absentee ballot by submitting an application on securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov, by email, by mail, by fax, or in person.
Mail-in ballots may be requested 11-78 days prior to Election Day. More information can be found at georgia.gov/vote-absentee-ballot.
Who can ask for a vote-by-mail ballot in Georgia?
Only those registered to vote in Georgia with access to a voter ID will be considered for mail-in voting. This may include:
- Georgia driver's license
- State-issued ID card
- U.S. Passport
- Georgia Voter ID card
- Other valid photo ID cards issued by any part of the local, state, or federal government.
- Tribal identification card
- Student ID from a Georgia public college or university
- Utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, government checks, or other government documents (if they have your name and address).
Those requesting a mail-in ballot must also be one of the following:
- Over 65 years old
- Have a physical disability
- Live overseas
- Be an active member of the military or a spouse or child of an active service member.
Voting in person? What do I need to bring with me to vote?
Any of the following forms of identification allow a registered Georgia voter to cast their ballot in-person:
- Driver's license, even if expired
- Student ID from a Georgia public college or university
- Valid U.S. passport
- Valid tribal photo ID
- Any valid local, state, or federal government-issued photo ID, including the free ones issued by Department of Driver Services and at county registrar offices.
What Georgia state, federal offices will be on the 2026 Georgia ballot?
Here are some of the major races Georgians will be voting for in November:
- Governor
- U.S. Senate
- All 14 seats in U.S. House of Representatives
- Lieutenant Governor
- Secretary of State
- Attorney General
- Agriculture Commissioner
- Insurance Commissioner
- State School Superintendent
- Labor Commissioner
Midterm elections 2026 predictions
The two races our readers have expressed the most interest in is for governor and senate. The latest poll by Rasmussen Reports puts Republican Rick Jackson ahead of Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms with 48% versus her 45%. However, this remains a tight race, 270toWin reporting an average gap of just 1%.
The senate race has a slightly bigger gap with Democrat Jon Ossoff averaging a lead of 49.5% while Republican Mike Collins averages 43%.
How to check voter registration
All of your voting information, including registration, can be found at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
When is the next presidential election date?
Despite how many races there are this year, many Georgians are already looking ahead to the next presidential election. It's scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2028.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Early voting Georgia: When polls open, voter ID and more for midterm 2026
