Georgia Runoff Election Voting Kicks Off
Early voting has begun in the high-stakes runoff election in Georgia. After the state voted blue for the first time since 1992, the senate race has critical political implications.
The State of Georgia has captured the nation’s attention related to election matters twice this year—with critical political implications. Georgia is in a unique position to elect two senators to represent the state in Washington, D.C. As the state voted blue for the first time since the 1992 presidential election, the races are close and every vote counts.
Georgia state law requires a runoff election in any race where a candidate does note win by at least 50 percent. A runoff election is held between the top two vote-getters and the winner must receive at least 50 percent of the votes cast. The race is tight for both senate seats. Republican Senator David Perdue is up for reelection and faces Democrat Jon Ossoff. Senator Kelly Loeffler is defending her seat against challenger Raphael Warnock (D).
Republicans have already filled 50 senate seats, whereas Democrats have 48 seats filled. The remaining two seats—to be determined by the people of Georgia—will either solidify the Republican majority if either Republican candidate wins, or will force a tie-breaker vote if both Democrats win both remaining seats. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris (D) will be the determining vote in any event in which a tie-break is required.
Early voting began on December 14th and will continue through December 31, 2020, with day-of in-person voting on January 5. 2021. There are three ways to vote in Georgia’s runoff election. Please find Chatham County‘s voting guidelines detailed below or consult your county’s registrar for county-specific requirements. Visit Georgia.gov for state guidelines and voter information, or to check your registration and ballot status.
1. Mail-In Early Voting
Absentee ballots (mail-in or drop-off) can be requested up to December 31 and must be dropped off or posted by January 5, 2021. Drop-off locations are listed here. Absentee ballots can be completed in-person at 1117 Eisenhower Dr., Suite E, Savannah, GA 31406 or mailed to the attention of Chatham County Board of Registrars.
2. In-Person Early Voting
Early in-person voting runs through December 31. Please find the locations and hours of operation here and listed below.
| LOCATION | ADDRESS | HOURS |
| Civic Center | 301 W Oglethorpe Ave | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Mosquito Control | 65 Billy B. Hair Dr. | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Islands Library | 50 Johnny Mercer Blvd | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Southwest Library | 14097 Abercorn St. | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Please contact your preferred location or the Main Office ((912) 790-1520) to confirm your preferred date and time.
3. In-Person Voting on January 5 (Election Day)
The runoff election will be held in-person on January 5, 2021. Please refer to your registration or contact the Board of Registrars office to determine your poll location.
