Early Voting Begins Oct. 13 in Georgia — Governor Race Is Toss-Up While Ossoff Holds Senate Lead

With Election Day fewer than three weeks away, early voting in Georgia begins Oct. 13 across the state. Two high-profile contests — the governor's race and the U.S. Senate race — are drawing the most attention and could shape Georgia politics for years to come.

Governor's Race: Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, faces Republican Rick Jackson, a healthcare CEO. Bottoms won her Democratic primary decisively and held a strong lead earlier in the summer, but Jackson gained momentum after his Republican runoff victory over Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Recent polls show the race is essentially a toss-up, with a meaningful share of voters still undecided. If no candidate reaches 50% on Nov. 3, Georgia law requires the governor's contest to go to a runoff in early December.

U.S. Senate Race: Incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff is seeking reelection against Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Polling in recent weeks has consistently shown Ossoff ahead by a clear margin. Ossoff was first elected in a 2021 runoff and is completing his first term; a reelection would give him a second six-year term.

What Recent Polls Show

U.S. Senate — Ossoff vs. Collins

• Oct. 4 — Decision Desk HQ: Ossoff 52.5%, Collins 43.5%
• Oct. 4 — Silver Bulletin (aggregate): Ossoff 51.8%, Collins 43.1%
• Oct. 2-3 — Wedgewood Polls: Ossoff 55%, Collins 45%
• Sept. 22-23 — InsiderAdvantage: Ossoff 50%, Collins 42%
• Sept. 15-18 — YouGov: Ossoff 52%, Collins 43%

Governor — Bottoms vs. Jackson

• Oct. 4 — Decision Desk HQ: Jackson 48.8%, Bottoms 46.8%
• Oct. 4 — Silver Bulletin (aggregate): Jackson 47.8%, Bottoms 46.9%
• Oct. 2-3 — Wedgewood Polls: Jackson 51%, Bottoms 49%
• Sept. 22-23 — InsiderAdvantage: Jackson 48%, Bottoms 46%
• Sept. 15-18 — YouGov: Jackson 47%, Bottoms 44%

Polls indicate the Senate contest favors the Democrat by roughly 7–10 points in many surveys, while the governor's race remains within the margin of error — meaning small shifts in turnout or late-deciding voters could change the outcome. Analysts also expect some ticket-splitting, with voters choosing candidates from different parties for governor and Senate.

Key Dates

• Last Day To Register To Vote: Oct. 5
• First Day Of Early Voting: Oct. 13
• Last Day Of Early Voting: Oct. 30
• Election Day: Nov. 3
• Runoff Election Day (If Needed): Dec. 1

Need Voting Info? Visit the Georgia My Voter Page to check your registration status, find your polling location, and confirm precinct hours.

Irene Wright covers midterm races in Georgia as the Atlanta Connect reporter for USA TODAY's Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [email protected].

Note: This article summarizes recent polling and key election dates. Polling margins and undecided voters mean outcomes may shift before Election Day.