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Understanding Georgia’s Open Primary System

There’s been some confusion about how voting works in Georgia’s primary elections.

Georgia has an open primary, which means you do not register by party. However, when you go to vote, you must choose which ballot you want:

  • Democratic
  • Republican
  • Non-Partisan

Some voters who consider themselves “Independent” assume they should choose the Non-Partisan ballot—but that’s not correct if you want to vote in major races.

Important:
If you want to vote for offices like Governor, U.S. Senator, or U.S. Representative, you must choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot.

  • Choosing a Non-Partisan ballot will limit your choices to:
    • Judicial races
    • Local items like JWSC (Joint Water and Sewer Commission)

Once you select your party ballot, it will include:

  • That party’s primary candidates
  • Non-partisan races (like judges)

You may also notice an “(I)” next to some candidates’ names.

  • This does not mean “Independent”
  • It means “Incumbent” (the person currently holding the office)

Runoff Elections:
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held.

  • In the runoff, you must vote using the same party ballot you selected in the primary.