Secretary of State Brian Kemp reminds voters that polling locations in counties across the state will open on Monday, July 2nd for advance in–person voting in the July 24th primary run–off elections. Aside from the Independence Day holiday, polls will be open weekdays through July 20th at specific times and locations determined by local election officials. Some localities may offer weekend voting opportunities.

“Increasingly, people are opting to cast their ballots early instead of waiting until Election Day,” stated Secretary Kemp. “Thanks to the hundreds of hardworking elections officials across the Peach State, it has never been easier to get registered to vote and take part in our electoral process. As we near Independence Day, remember the brave men and women in our Armed Forces who have fought for your freedoms, including the right to vote, so you should never take it for granted. Get out and vote in these important contests.”

Georgia voters are encouraged to use the office’s “My Voter Page” or download the “GA SOS” app to check registration status, view a sample ballot, find their voting location, or request an absentee ballot. If you prefer to vote an absentee by mail ballot, please submit your request for a mailed absentee ballot as soon as possible to avoid potential mail delays. Other important election dates are available on the Elections Division website along with a list of qualified candidates.

Except for some local races where securing a plurality of votes is sufficient, candidates seeking elected office in Georgia must secure a majority of the votes cast to win outright. If no candidate achieves a majority of votes on the first try, there is a run-off contest between the two highest vote-getters. Republicans will have run-off contests for Governor; Lieutenant Governor; Secretary of State; and State House Districts 19, 36, 97, 102, 105, and 141. Democrats can vote in run-offs for U. S. House of Representative Districts 6 and 7; State School Superintendent; and State House Districts 111 and 144. Georgians who have already cast a Democratic or Republican primary ballot can only vote in that same party’s primary run-offs. If you did not vote in the primary, or if you cast a non-partisan ballot, you can vote in either political party’s run-offs.

Brian Kemp has been Secretary of State since January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting secure, accessible, and fair elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities, charities, and professional license holders.  For more information about the office, go to www.sos.ga.gov.