2026 Georgia Midterms, One Day at a Time

What to say: “These are the results so far. They’re unofficial while election officials finish counting eligible ballots and complete the required review.”

Why: Election night gives us an early picture. Some eligible ballots, like those from military and overseas voters, can still arrive after Election Day. Provisional ballots also need to be reviewed before results become official.

What to say: “Totals can change as more eligible ballots are counted. Check your county election office’s updates to see what was added or corrected.”

Why: Military and overseas ballots, approved provisional ballots, and absentee ballots that voters fixed can be added after election night. If you get a notice about a problem with your absentee ballot, follow its instructions right away. November 6 is the deadline to fix a problem with an absentee ballot.

What to say: “It means county election officials have made the local results official. Every county must certify its results by 5 p.m. on November 9.”

Why: After certifying, each county sends its results to the Georgia Secretary of State. For federal and statewide races, the state certifies the final results later, by November 20. Check your county election office’s website for local details.

What to say: “Yes, in some cases. A close result doesn’t trigger a recount automatically, but a candidate can request one if the margin is 0.5% or less.”

Why: The request is due within two business days after the results are certified. Election officials can also order a recount if they find a possible error or discrepancy in the returns.

When a recount is requested because the margin is 0.5% or less, taxpayers cover the cost, not the candidate.

What to say: “Audits are a scheduled part of the process. Officials count a random set of paper ballots by hand to confirm the results.”

Why: Georgia’s risk-limiting audit checks one randomly selected federal or statewide race. It uses a sample of ballots, so it’s not a full recount of every race. The audit must be finished before the state certifies the results.

What to say: “The Georgia Secretary of State certifies the results for federal and statewide races by 5 p.m. on November 20.”

Why: County results are certified first, by November 9. If a race goes to a runoff on December 1, counties certify the runoff results by December 7 and the state certifies them by December 18.

What to say: “Different offices have different start dates. Here are the main ones.”

• January 1: Many county officials begin their terms. Start dates can vary by office, so check with your county.
• January 3 at noon: New terms begin for members of Congress.
• January 11: The Georgia General Assembly begins its session.
• January: The governor and lieutenant governor are sworn in at an inauguration. The General Assembly sets the date.

What to say: “Candidates have formal ways to challenge results. They can request a recount or bring a legal challenge. A challenge starts a review process. It doesn’t mean the results are wrong.”

Why: A recount checks the vote totals. A legal challenge, called an election contest, is filed in superior court within five days after the results are certified. The court reviews the evidence and decides what the law requires.

Filing a challenge doesn’t automatically stop officials from certifying results. What happens next depends on the challenge and any court orders.