Jun 8, 2026 - Election

Early voting begins for June 16 primary runoff election

Kristal Dixon

A red sign with dark blue lettering that reads "Vote Here," with small white stars dotted around the upper half of the sign. A white arrow pointing right is position between the words "Vote" and "Here." — A "Vote Here" sign outside Atlanta's Metropolitan Library last month. Photo: Courtesy of Megan Varner/Getty Images

Early voting is now underway for the June 16 primary runoff election for several statewide and local races.

Why it matters: Voters are returning to the polls to pick state leaders who will decide important issues that affect their everyday lives.

The latest: The early voting period runs through Friday, June 12, so check your county's elections and registration website for locations, hours of operation and (in some places) wait times.

Driving the news: Two races closely watched by Republicans are on the ballot: the race for a U.S. Senate seat and the contest for governor.

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley are vying to become the Republican candidate who will take on incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in the Nov. 3 general election.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who was endorsed by President Trump, and billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson are on the Republican runoff ballot for the governor's race.
The winner will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.

Zoom in: Other races on the ballot include lieutenant governor, secretary of state, labor commissioner and state school superintendent. Those candidates are:

Republicans

Lieutenant governor: Greg Dolezal, John F. Kennedy

Secretary of state: Tim Fleming, Vernon Jones
State school superintendent: Fred "Bubba" Longgrear, Richard Woods (incumbent)
Public Service Commission District 5: Bobby Mehan, Josh Tolbert

Democrats

Lieutenant governor: Josh McLaurin, Nabilah Parkes
Secretary of state: Dana Barrett, Penny Brown Reynolds
Insurance commissioner: Deandre Mathis, Keisha Sean Waites
Labor commissioner: Michelle Michi Sanchez, Nikki Porcher

The fine print: In Fulton County, incumbent Robb Pitts and Mo Ivory are on the Democratic ballot for commission chair, as are District 3 candidates Lee Morris and Jodi Merriday.

What to know: Don't forget your photo ID. Before heading out, double-check your polling place and review your sample ballot.

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Early voting begins for June 16 primary runoff election

Republicans

Democrats

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