US midterm elections 2026: What is Georgia's November 20 certification deadline and possible December runoff? Here's what happens

The 2026 US midterm elections are being held on November 3. While results from several states could become clear on election night, some contests may take longer. Georgia has specific deadlines for county-level and state-level certification. Its election result rules also provide for runoffs when no candidate receives the required majority. This means voters could potentially return to the polls on December 1 for certain contests.

All about Georgia's November 20 certification deadline

November 20 is the last day for the state to certify votes in federal and statewide contests, according to the Georgia Secretary of State's 2026 election calendar. For certifying these returns, the Secretary of State's office is responsible.

The official results are established by County election superintendents after local election officials have completed the counting.

Why does Georgia have a December 1 runoff provision?

Georgia follows a majority-vote requirement for many of its elections. A candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes to win outright in the relevant federal, state and local contests.

If no candidate crosses this threshold, the top two-vote getters advance to a runoff.

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When will the possible runoff take place?

Georgia has scheduled December 1, 2026, for a general-election runoff, if one is required. The date falls four weeks after the November 3 general election. Only races in which no candidate receives the required majority would need a runoff. This would allow the candidates that were over 50% to not have to reconsider on November 3.

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What happens after the runoff?

Georgia's election calendar sets December 1 as the date for a possible general-election runoff. County certification of runoff results is due by December 7. The state certification deadline for the runoff is December 18. This means the election process could extend well beyond the original November 3 polling day. The November 20 deadline also serves as the last day to request an absentee ballot for the December runoff.