r/Georgia • • 5d ago

Politics Georgia Voting Guide 2026

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antiracismdaily.com
156 Upvotes

Key Dates

  • Tues., Oct. 13 Early (advance) voting begins
  • Sat., Oct. 17 Required Saturday early voting
  • Fri., Oct. 23 Last day for county to receive absentee ballot applications
  • Sat., Oct. 24 Required Saturday early voting
  • Fri., Oct. 30 Early voting ends
  • Tues., Nov. 3 Election Day (7 a.m.–7 p.m.); absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m.
  • Fri., Nov. 6 Deadline to fix (cure) an absentee ballot problem or show ID for a provisional ballot
  • Mon., Nov. 9 Counties certify results (5 p.m. Monday after the election; verify)
  • Fri., Nov. 20 Secretary of State certifies statewide results (by 17 days after; verify)
  • Tues., Dec. 1 Runoff election, if no candidate gets more than 50%

Make a Voting Plan

Choose to vote early in person, by mail or on Election Day.

  • Vote early in person from Tues., Oct. 13 to Fri., Oct. 30.
  • Vote by mail. Any voter can vote by mail. Request a ballot by Fri., Oct. 23. Request a mail ballot Return it by Tues., Nov. 3. Problem with your ballot? If there is a problem with your envelope, your county will tell you. Fix it by Nov. 6 with a form and your ID. Track your ballot
  • Vote on Election Day, Tues., Nov. 3, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. local time. Find your polling place. Check the official ID rules so you bring the right ID.
  • Have a past conviction?
    • You can't vote while serving a sentence for a felony.
    • Your right to vote comes back once you finish your full sentence, including parole, probation, and fines.
    • You then need to register again.

What’s on Your Ballot

These are the biggest races in Georgia this year. Please note, we do not endorse any candidates.

Governor

  • Keisha Lance Bottoms Democratic · Campaign site
  • Former mayor of Atlanta (2018–2022) and former White House senior adviser.
  • Rick Jackson Republican · Campaign site
  • Founder and CEO of Jackson Healthcare, a health care staffing company.

Stance on key issues

Voting rights & elections

Keisha Lance Bottoms Democratic

Supports protecting local election officials from political interference, expanding early and absentee voting, making Election Day a state holiday, and vetoing maps that dilute minority voting power. Source

Rick Jackson Republican

No public position found.

Policing, prisons & public safety

Keisha Lance Bottoms Democratic

Supports more help for law enforcement plus 'targeted violence reduction efforts' and more diversion and treatment for nonviolent cases. Source

Rick Jackson Republican

Pledges to 'fully support law enforcement with resources, training, and respect' and to 'ban revolving-door justice.' Source

Immigration

Keisha Lance Bottoms Democratic

Says immigration enforcement should focus on violent criminals, not students, workers and mothers. Supports limiting zoning for private ICE detention centers and reviewing state contracts with ICE. Source

Rick Jackson Republican

Pledges to 'make Georgia number one in the nation for deporting all CRIMINAL illegal immigrants.' Source

Abortion & health care

Keisha Lance Bottoms Democratic

Supports restoring abortion rights and opposes Georgia's six-week ban. Supports expanding Medicaid and replacing the Georgia Pathways program with broader coverage. Source

Rick Jackson Republican

His campaign says he 'strongly supports Georgia's current Heartbeat law and will defend it as governor,' including its current exceptions. On Medicaid, has said he wants to measure success by how many people have commercial insurance. Source

Economy, taxes & cost of living

Keisha Lance Bottoms Democratic

Proposes eliminating local sales taxes on groceries and essentials and creating a state board to lower prescription costs. Source

Rick Jackson Republican

Proposes cutting the state income tax in half within four years and freezing property taxes 'immediately to stop runaway assessments.' Source

Housing

Keisha Lance Bottoms Democratic

Proposes faster permitting for housing, more down-payment and renter assistance, and a state affordable housing trust fund. Source

Rick Jackson Republican

No public position found.

Schools

Keisha Lance Bottoms Democratic

Supports fully funding public schools with an updated funding formula and creating a path to free technical and community college. Source

Rick Jackson Republican

Proposes freezing tuition, room and board at public colleges and technical schools, raising teacher pay, and banning 'ideological indoctrination in schools.' Source

Civil rights, DEI & LGBTQ+ rights

Keisha Lance Bottoms Democratic

Supports statewide nondiscrimination protections that include sexual orientation and gender identity, codifying marriage equality, and banning conversion therapy for minors. Source

Rick Jackson Republican

Proposes banning DEI programs in state government, public universities and classrooms. Says 'boys' should not compete in girls' sports or use girls' bathrooms or locker rooms. Source

Climate & environmental justice

Keisha Lance Bottoms Democratic

Supports a pause on new data centers, citing 'higher utility bills, strained water resources' and harm to nearby communities. Source

Rick Jackson Republican

Opposes a statewide pause on data centers and says local communities should decide. Source

U.S. Senate

  • Mike Collins Republican · Campaign site
  • U.S. representative for Georgia's 10th District since 2023; trucking business owner.
  • Jon Ossoff Democratic, incumbent · Campaign site
  • U.S. senator since 2021; former investigative documentary producer.

Stance on key issues

Voting rights & elections

Mike Collins Republican

Voted for the SAVE Act (April 2025), which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote. Source

Jon Ossoff Democratic, incumbent

Reintroduced the Right to Vote Act to create a federal legal right to vote. Source

Policing, prisons & public safety

Mike Collins Republican

No public position found.

Jon Ossoff Democratic, incumbent

Sponsored the Federal Prison Oversight Act, now law, which set up independent inspections of federal prisons. Source

Immigration

Mike Collins Republican

Has said 'we need mass deportations' (campaign site). Introduced the House version of the Laken Riley Act (2025), which requires detaining non-citizens charged with certain crimes. Source

Jon Ossoff Democratic, incumbent

Led a Senate investigation that found over 1,000 credible reports of human rights abuses in immigration detention. Has backed bipartisan border security bills. Source

Abortion & health care

Mike Collins Republican

Calls himself '100 percent pro-life' and supports Georgia's heartbeat law with exceptions. Opposed extending the enhanced ACA premium tax credits. Source

Jon Ossoff Democratic, incumbent

Opposes abortion bans and Georgia's six-week ban. Supported extending enhanced ACA tax credits and opposed Medicaid cuts. Helped pass the $35 monthly insulin cap for Medicare. Source

Economy, taxes & cost of living

Mike Collins Republican

Voted for the 2025 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (tax cuts and spending changes). Calls for cutting regulations and cracking down on 'Medicaid scams.' Source

Jon Ossoff Democratic, incumbent

Has criticized tariffs for raising costs. Introduced legislation to cut taxes for farmers. Source

Housing

Mike Collins Republican

Supports faster federal permitting through his PERMIT Act to cut construction costs and delays. Source

Jon Ossoff Democratic, incumbent

No public position found.

Schools

Mike Collins Republican

No public position found.

Jon Ossoff Democratic, incumbent

Has pushed back on federal cuts to Hispanic-Serving Institutions and to civil-rights enforcement at the Education Department. Source

Civil rights, DEI & LGBTQ+ rights

Mike Collins Republican

No public position found.

Jon Ossoff Democratic, incumbent

Supported the Respect for Marriage Act and the Equality Act. Wrote a bipartisan law to help solve civil rights–era cold cases. Source

Climate & environmental justice

Mike Collins Republican

Introduced the Diesel Truck Liberation Act to block EPA truck emission rules. Source

Jon Ossoff Democratic, incumbent

Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act's clean-energy programs. Has pressed federal regulators on rising power bills tied to AI data centers. Source

Public Service Commission, District 3

  • Peter Hubbard Democratic, incumbent · Campaign site
  • Won this seat in 2025. Clean-energy analyst who founded the Georgia Center for Energy Solutions.
  • Fitz Johnson Republican · Campaign site
  • Army veteran and businessman. Served on the commission from 2021 to 2025.

Stance on key issues

Data centers

Peter Hubbard Democratic, incumbent

Says discounts for data centers push more than $1 billion in costs onto household bills. Source

Fitz Johnson Republican

Says he put protections in place so data centers pay their share. Source

Public Service Commission, District 5

  • Thomas Blooming Libertarian
  • Electrical engineer who has worked on Google and Facebook data centers.
  • Shelia Edwards Democratic · Campaign site
  • Cobb County business owner and former county communications staffer.
  • Josh Tolbert Republican · Campaign site
  • Smyrna engineer who has worked on power plants.

Stance on key issues

Data centers

Thomas Blooming Libertarian

Says data centers should build their own power. Source

Shelia Edwards Democratic

Says large corporate power users should pay their fair share instead of households. Source

Josh Tolbert Republican

Calls himself pro-data center, but says the costs belong to whoever causes them. Source

Ballot measures

  • Amendment 1: Conservation use property acreage. Raises the most land one owner can enroll in Georgia's lower 'conservation use' property tax rate for farm and timber land, from 2,000 acres to 4,000 acres. Yes means owners could get the lower farm/timber tax rate on up to 4,000 acres. No means the limit stays at 2,000 acres.
  • Amendment 2: Nonpartisan probate judge elections. Requires all probate court judges to be elected in nonpartisan elections (no party label on the ballot). Yes means all probate judges would run without party labels. No means some counties could keep partisan probate judge elections.
  • Amendment 3: Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund. Lets the legislature set aside certain existing revenues in a dedicated fund that can be used only to expand, maintain and run 9-1-1 emergency systems. Yes means A dedicated, protected fund for 9-1-1 systems can be created. No means no dedicated 9-1-1 fund in the constitution; money stays subject to regular budget rules.

Protect the Vote

  • Apply to be a poll worker and support free and fair elections.
  • Watch the count. Take a training to learn how to observe the polls.
  • If anyone tries to stop you from voting or something at your polling place seems wrong:
    • Call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
    • Call 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) — Spanish
    • Call 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) — Asian languages
    • Call 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) — Arabic
    • If you’re in line when polls close, stay in line. You can still vote.
    • If your name isn’t on the list, ask for a provisional ballot.
    • Know your rights

Organizations to Support


r/Georgia • • 18h ago

Politics [Megathread] Weekly Political Organizing Thread

5 Upvotes

This thread will be the central hub for all discussions regarding protests, marches, and general political organizing in the state of Georgia. r/Georgia mods will not vet the legitimacy of events posted, so make sure to do your own research before attending any events. All comments must still follow the Political post guidelines.

If you are an organizer who would like to post outside of this thread, please send a mod mail. All other protest posts will be removed going forward.

Background image for highlight/thumbnail/whatever.


r/Georgia • • 8h ago

News Article Man dies after falling off roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, police and witnesses say

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744 Upvotes

r/Georgia • • 11h ago

News Article Baby killed after high-speed police chase for a suspect on a suspended license ends in 10-car crash

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independent.co.uk
210 Upvotes

r/Georgia • • 4h ago

Picture [OC] Gas War in Georgia Tonight. The lowest price before the 2 stations ran out was 1.09 and 1.10

34 Upvotes

No its not AI it was in powder springs. 2 small local gas stations that regularly troll each other decided to have a gas war. When I went gas was 1.24 then dropped to 1.19. It was crazy. A full tank for 15 dollars.

(Also if it says screenshot I took the screenshot from a video I took on my ig)


r/Georgia • • 9h ago

News Article Why Georgia's child protection agency paid $1 million for a Chevy

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54 Upvotes

r/Georgia • • 6h ago

Politics If you would like to watch any of the Atlanta Press Club Debates for statewide offices, here you go

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gpb.org
21 Upvotes

r/Georgia • • 13h ago

Politics [AJC] President Trump will campaign in Georgia on Friday

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ajc.com
72 Upvotes

r/Georgia • • 9h ago

Question Airport TSA Question

29 Upvotes

My mom and I flew out of Hartsfield-Jackson airport and went through the TSA Pre-check line. We put our carry ons in the bins and proceeded to go through the scanner when a supervisor came up behind us and took my mother’s cane from her. He insisted that it had to go on the conveyor belt. My mom is 90 years old. When I tried to explain that she needed the cane, he again refused to give it back and told me that I should just help support her instead. I was shocked, but held my mother up and helped her walk through the security detector. Is this standard procedure?


r/Georgia • • 17h ago

News Article How a sunken MARTA train car is tracking sharks off Georgia coast

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92 Upvotes

r/Georgia • • 5h ago

Question Any GOOD haunted houses?!

6 Upvotes

I know its everyone's individual preference on whats good and whats not but does Georgia have any decent haunted houses or tours? Like no kids allowed type. I saw a post that said :

"This was the best haunted house ever, I was terrified! My toddler really enjoyed it."

Yea, no. I will not be attending.


r/Georgia • • 19h ago

Discussion Elk in the North Georgia Mountains

41 Upvotes

Hey ya’ll! I had a question. Since the reintroduction of Elk in places like NC, TN, VA and the like, I was curious what you guys thought of the possibility of reintroducing elk into the North Georgia mountains. Do ya’ll think it could be successful? Why or why not?


r/Georgia • • 3h ago

Question Alternative hair stylist near atlanta

0 Upvotes

Anyone know hair stylist that do these type of cuts or just alternative cuts near atlanta? I’m near the peachtree city area, but i will travel an hour or two out if needed!! Looking for a hair stylist that does shaggy type cuts, doesn’t have to be curly hair specifically ^^


r/Georgia • • 11h ago

Question North Ga Paranormal

2 Upvotes

does anyone know some good paranormal spots in north ga to explore, even some cool abandoned places would be awesome. in or around forsyth would be ideal but i’m willing to drive out around the area if need be!


r/Georgia • • 17h ago

Question Weird question. Does anyone here know of a Spirit Halloween that has the Freddy fazbear animatronic in Georgia? Near Atlanta

4 Upvotes

Basically as the title says I've tried calling Spirit Halloween's around us to see if anyone has the Freddy fazbear animatronic on display but it's hard to get anyone on the phone. I know it is not available to buy but my daughter really wants to just go see it in person. We are West Georgia but willing to travel any info would be helpful thank you


r/Georgia • • 1d ago

Question Recommendations for nonstandard auto insurers?

2 Upvotes

I have to renew and with a bunch of minor infractions on my license, Geico and Progressive are super expensive. Any suggestions for nonstandard insurance companies? Google says The General, Dairyland, Direct Auto… anyone have experience with one? I’m in Atlanta.

Thank you!


r/Georgia • • 1d ago

Question Georgia Power rebates

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10 Upvotes

Hey friends. We all hate Georgia Power, etc. but they do offer rebates for certain "energy efficiency" upgrades. So first off PSA if you didn't know that!

But they don't make it easy. The application asks for my Georgia Power account number, meter number, tax ID, and premise ID. The first two are on my bill, but wtf are the second two? Nothing on the tax assessor's website matches that XX-XXXXXXX number format and I can't find a premise ID anywhere.


r/Georgia • • 2d ago

Politics How Trump's gutting of the Endangered Species Act could hurt three iconic Georgia species

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430 Upvotes

r/Georgia • • 2d ago

Question Hard Labor Creek Cottages

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157 Upvotes

Does anyone know about the condition of cottages at HLC? I rode my horse to the ones located at the end of the dirt road leading away from the stables, and they were dilapidated little elf houses. The website shows beautiful 1 and 2 bedroom houses, so I’m wondering WHERE are they in relation to what I saw!


r/Georgia • • 2d ago

Sports Dream sweep Liberty to earn first WNBA Finals berth since 2013

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265 Upvotes

The Atlanta Dream have never won a WNBA Finals, but are now a few wins away! After beating NY, last night they will be playing Golden State in the Finals. Game one is October 17th. If you haven’t been paying attention, now is a good time for us all to jump on the bandwagon. Let’s get our first WNBA Championship in Atlanta!


r/Georgia • • 1d ago

Question Total Wine Alternatives

0 Upvotes

Hey, I’m from FL and going to be driving through Georgia this weekend.

Is there a place other than Total Wine that sells THC drinks? They sell them here in FL and I think the law is the same for it in GA, as in the dosage is capped and you have to be 21+. I see the rules on this page on asking about illegal drugs, THC delta 9 is a legal form that’s available in stores.

Thank you!


r/Georgia • • 2d ago

Question 19 year old looking for a rehab

16 Upvotes

I have a 19 year old loved one (woman) who is currently struggling with addiction to synthetic marijuana, nicotine, and alcohol. Unfortunately, we have tried many rehabs in Georgia but none of them have worked. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a good co occurring rehab in Georgia for young adults, also preferably somewhere nicotine free as we are trying to get off of that as well. If anyone has any recommendations please do comment. We are struggling 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏


r/Georgia • • 2d ago

News Article GBI investigates after Valdosta officer found dead in court building

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46 Upvotes

r/Georgia • • 2d ago

Question Bass fishing

2 Upvotes

Hey, recently PCS moved to Georgia. I love bass fishing and was wondering if there’s any decent spots to fish near hinesville or ludowici. Also interested in meeting other people who enjoy bass fishing!


r/Georgia • • 2d ago

Question Green lightning in the sky this morning near I285

15 Upvotes

I was driving north on I-85 between 285 and 316 this morning around 7 am and I saw a couple of flashes of green lightning. Did anyone else see it?