Elections in Georgia (U.S. state)

Elections in Georgia, a U.S. state, determine the state's representatives in the U.S. Congress (Senate and House of Representatives), the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, members of the Georgia General Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives), and various other state and local offices. Georgia utilizes a system of primary elections to nominate candidates for each party, followed by a general election where candidates from all parties compete.

Voter Eligibility:

To be eligible to vote in Georgia, a person must be a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of Georgia and of the county in which they seek to vote, at least 17 1/2 years of age (though they must be 18 to vote), and not be serving a felony sentence. Individuals with felony convictions may have their voting rights restored upon completion of their sentence, parole, and probation. Voter registration is required and can be completed online, by mail, or in person at various locations.

Election Administration:

The Georgia Secretary of State oversees elections within the state. County election officials are responsible for administering elections at the local level, including managing polling places, voter registration lists, and vote tabulation.

Voting Methods:

Georgia uses a combination of methods for casting ballots. Early voting is available in person at designated locations prior to election day. Absentee voting by mail is also permitted, subject to specific eligibility requirements. On election day, voters can cast their ballots at their assigned polling place. Georgia utilizes electronic voting machines (ballot marking devices) that produce a paper record which is then scanned for tabulation.

Political Parties:

The two major political parties in Georgia are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Other parties, such as the Libertarian Party and the Green Party, may also field candidates.

Election Laws and Controversies:

Georgia election laws have been subject to significant change and legal challenges, particularly regarding voter identification requirements, absentee voting rules, and access to polling places. These changes and challenges have often sparked controversy and debate about their impact on voter access and fairness. Recent legislative changes have led to increased scrutiny of Georgia's election procedures.

Campaign Finance:

Campaign finance in Georgia is regulated by state law, with requirements for reporting contributions and expenditures. Limits on individual and corporate contributions to candidates and political committees vary depending on the office sought and the type of election.

Runoff Elections:

In Georgia, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes (more than 50%) to win an election. If no candidate achieves a majority in the general election, a runoff election is held between the top two candidates. This is common in statewide elections and can significantly extend the election process.