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Georgia Runoff Rules 2026: The 50% Rule and the Dec. 1 Runoff

Facts checked Oct. 28, 2026 · Jamoke News does not project winners or call races; results link to the AP.

Georgia is one of the few states that requires an outright majority to win a general election. Here is how its runoff works in 2026.

The rule

Under Georgia law, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast. If no one does, the top two finishers meet in a runoff held 28 days after the election, and whoever gets the most runoff votes wins. In practice, a majority means 50% plus one vote.

Sources: Georgia Code § 21-2-501 (Justia) · Georgia.gov: General election runoff, Dec. 1, 2026

2026 dates

• General election: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 (polls 7 a.m.–7 p.m.).
• Last day to request an absentee ballot for a runoff: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026.
• Runoff, if needed: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026. Polls are open 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m. that day.

Sources: Georgia.gov: Georgia election guide · Georgia.gov: Last day to request absentee ballots for the runoff · Georgia.gov: General election runoff, Dec. 1, 2026

Who can vote in a runoff

Anyone registered to vote in Georgia can vote in a federal, state or local runoff.

Source: Georgia.gov: Vote in runoff elections

Races on Georgia’s 2026 ballot

U.S. Senate: Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) vs. Rep. Mike Collins (R), rated Likely D by the Cook Political Report (Oct. 20). Governor (open seat): Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) vs. Rick Jackson (R), rated Toss Up (Oct. 27). Ossoff first won his seat in a January 2021 runoff.

Sources: Cook Political Report Senate ratings, Oct. 20, 2026 · Cook Political Report governor ratings, Oct. 27, 2026 · Wikipedia: 2026 United States Senate elections (nominee lists, sourced to state election offices)

Georgia 2026 election guide →