Georgia State Election Board Approves New Rules Aimed at Increasing Election Transparency

The Georgia State Election Board has approved two new election rules supporters say are designed to increase transparency and public confidence in the state’s voting process ahead of the 2026 elections. The rules were adopted during the board’s July meeting following public comment and debate.

One of the new rules requires that vote tabulation and consolidation be conducted in public, allowing election observers to watch the process as precinct-level results are combined into countywide totals. State law already allows authorized poll watchers to observe many aspects of the election process, and supporters say the rule further reinforces public access.

The board also approved a rule giving State Election Board members access to the Secretary of State’s election operations center, often referred to as the “election night bunker,” during elections. Supporters say the change provides additional oversight, while critics have questioned whether the board has the legal authority to require such access.

The rule changes come as Georgia prepares for the 2026 election cycle and continue an ongoing discussion over election administration and transparency in the state.

Early Voting Begins June 8 for June 16 Primary Runoff in Chattooga County

Early voting for the June 16, 2026 Primary Runoff Election will begin Monday, June 8, and continue through Friday, June 12, according to the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office.

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Several Statewide Races Headed To June 16 Runoff In Georgia

Georgia voters will return to the polls on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to decide several key statewide races that were not settled during the May primary election.

According to unofficial results released by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, runoff elections will be required in a number of contests, including races for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, insurance commissioner, labor commissioner, and Public Service Commission District 5.

Among the higher-profile runoff contests, Colby Maurin and Nabilah Parkes will face off in the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, while Greg Dolezal and John F. Kennedy advance to the Republican runoff.

In the Republican race for secretary of state, Tim Fleming and Vernon Jones will compete for the nomination, while Democrats Dana Barrett and Penny Brown Reynolds will meet in a runoff for their party’s nomination.

Several statewide races were decided outright in the primary, including the Democratic nominations for U.S. Senate, governor and attorney general, along with the Republican nominations for attorney general, agriculture commissioner and insurance commissioner.

Voters in Chattooga County and across Georgia who participated in the primary will have another opportunity to cast ballots in the runoff election on June 16.

Kemp Says Georgia Will Wait On Redistricting Changes Until 2028

Governor Brian Kemp says Georgia will not rush into redrawing its political maps following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, signaling that any changes will likely come later.

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New Congressman Clay Fuller Begins First Days Representing Northwest Georgia

Northwest Georgia’s new representative in Washington is settling into his role after officially being sworn into Congress.

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Deadline Approaching to Register for May Primary Election

Time is running out for residents who want to take part in next month’s primary election in Georgia.

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Big Money And Endorsements Pour Into Georgia Races Ahead Of Primary

With Georgia’s primary election approaching, campaigns across the state are ramping up efforts as major endorsements and large amounts of campaign money begin to shape key races.

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Runoff Election May Be Over, But Chattooga Voters Head Back To The Polls Soon

Voters across Northwest Georgia cast ballots Tuesday in the special election runoff for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District and the 53rd State Senate District, but another important election is already just ahead for Chattooga County voters.

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Fuller Wins 14th Congressional District Runoff

Republican Clay Fuller has been declared the winner in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District special runoff election, securing the seat after a closely watched race across Northwest Georgia.

According to the latest returns, Fuller finished with just over 52 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat Shawn Harris, who received just under 48 percent.

The race drew significant attention throughout the district, with early results showing a tight contest before Fuller pulled ahead as more votes were counted.

Fuller, who currently serves as a district attorney, carried strong support in counties like Chattooga, helping boost his overall margin in the district-wide vote.

The runoff was required after no candidate received a majority in the initial March election, setting up the head-to-head matchup between Fuller and Harris.

With the victory, Fuller will now move on to represent Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, a region that includes much of Northwest Georgia.

Election officials say results will remain unofficial until certified, but Fuller’s lead is expected to hold.

Zibluk Congratulates Thomas After State Senate Runoff

Democratic candidate Jack Zibluk has congratulated Republican Lanny Thomas following Tuesday night’s runoff in Georgia’s 53rd State Senate District.

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