What is a runoff election? - Voto Latino Foundation

What is a runoff election?

You know that the presidential election occurs every four years, congressional elections are every two years, and midterm elections happen halfway between presidential elections. But sometimes elections are too close to call, which can lead to a runoff.

But what is a runoff election?

A runoff election is when a second election must be held because the first election did not reach the necessary threshold of votes needed for a candidate to win. This can happen in a general or primary election!

Is that what’s happening in Georgia?
Yes!

Georgians will be heading back to the polls to vote for two key Senate seats.

Jon Ossoff (D) will face Sen. David Purdue (R)
Reverend Raphael Warnock (D) will face Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R)

Here are some IMPORTANT deadlines to remember if you are in Georgia:

  • The runoff election is Tuesday, January 5.
  • The voter registration deadline is Monday, December 7.
  • Early voting will begin December 14 and ends January 1.
  • If you’re a Georgia voter, get out and vote!