When Early Voting Begins For GA Primary Election

In an election year where Georgia's next governor will be decided, the last day to register to vote both in the primary and its runoff is Monday, April 20.

The primary election will be held on May 19 in Georgia. This year's election will also determine key state roles, including attorney general, lieutenant governor and secretary of state.

Notable gubernatorial contenders include Geoff Duncan, former Atlanta mayor and White House aide Keisha Lance Bottoms, former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, State Secretary Brad Raffensper and Attorney General Chris Carr.

Gov. Brian Kemp is not eligible to run, again, as he has served two full terms.

While Republicans have flooded the state with nearly $100 million in advertising, Democrats have spent only $1.24 million. Most observers believe no Democrat will win a majority in the rapidly approaching primary, prolonging the party's uncertainty.

Bottoms could be headed toward a June 16 runoff, due to superior name identification and being the only Black woman running in a party that has historically relied on support from Black women. But the scramble for a second spot appears wide-open, with former state Sen. Jason Esteves, Duncan and Thurmond as likely prospects.

Georgia voters will additionally choose whether or not U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff will retain his seat in Congress. The sole Democrat, he faces few opponents, including: business owner Mike Collins, Georgia First champion Derek Dooley and Georgia-based U.S. Rep. Earl "Buddy" Carter.

As you prepare to head to the polls in May, Patch has compiled key dates and facts to know, per Georgia officials:

Who can vote in Georgia?

• A person who is a citizen of the U.S.
• A person who is a legal resident of their county.
• A person who is at least age 17 1/2 to register and age 18 to vote.
• A person who is not serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude.
• A person who has not been found mentally incompetent by a judge.

Where can you apply to vote?

A person can register to vote either online through Raffensperger's office or by mail.

To vote online, a person must have a valid driver's license or an identification card that has been issued by the Department of Driver Services.

A downloadable application is available both on the Georgia state website and the SOS website. Applications can be delivered to your local county voter registration office.

Important dates to know

• April 27-May 15: Early voting for the general primary
• May 19: Election Day in the general primary
• June 16: Runoff for the general primary, if needed
• Oct. 5: Voter registration for the general election
• Oct. 13-30: Early voting for the general election
• Nov. 3: Election Day
• Dec. 1: Runoff for the general election, if needed

To check to see if you are registered to vote, you can visit Georgia's My Voter Page. The MVP features a sample ballot each election season.

The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing.