Time to Vote Again (in Georgia)!

Why Are Georgia’s Senate Races Important?

The special election in Georgia for the two Senate seats that could change control from Mitch McConnell's leadership is on January 5th, 2021. It is turning into a battle for the ages! If you're unclear on the importance of these two Senate races, I think Heather Cox Richardson's column from last night says it best: "There is overwhelming popular support for a multitrillion-dollar package. A month ago 70% of voters, including more than half of Republicans, wanted such a package, including aid to state and local governments. But McConnell controls the Senate.

Biden hopes to initiate a sweeping economic relief and stimulus package immediately upon taking office. The upcoming elections in Georgia will be the difference between the fate of a new corona virus bill, which McConnell can essentially dictate, and a tied Senate, where McConnell will have to negotiate." Heather Cox Richardson, December 2, 2020.

Here’s more info on the Georgia Runoff Elections:

December 4, 2020

By Democracy Docket

As Democrats prepare to hold the House and take back the White House in January, there’s still one looming question: will Democrats take control of the Senate? The future of the Senate, and the advancement of a pro-democracy agenda, hinges on two January Senate runoff elections in Georgia. 

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about the upcoming Georgia runoffs:

What is a runoff election?

According to Georgia law, if no candidate receives a majority of votes in an election, a second election—or a runoff—is required. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes in the runoff is then declared the winner. In November, Georgia held two Senate elections:

The first was a special election to fill Senator Johnny Isakson’s seat, who retired due to health issues. On November 3rd, Senator Loeffler (who was appointed to temporarily fill the seat) and Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock, among other candidates, faced off in the special election. The results: Warnock came in first, gaining 32.9% of the vote, and Sen. Loeffler came in second with 25.9%. With no single candidate receiving 50% of the vote, Warnock and Loeffler will be on the ballot again in January.

The second Senate contest in Georgia was more traditional. Senator David Perdue ran for reelection against Democrat Jon Ossoff. In November, Perdue received only 49.7% of the vote, triggering a runoff.

Donate to Protect Voting Rights and the Georgia Runoffs

When are the GA runoffs?

The Georgia runoff elections will take place on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. If you can, vote early. Early voting begins on December 14. Due to COVID-19, any registered voter in Georgia can request an absentee ballot. Your absentee ballot must be received by your county election office by January 5. Keep in mind that your post office may be experiencing delays because of the holiday season. Our recommendation: turn your ballot in as soon as possible.

Make sure you check your voter registration and request an absentee ballot for the runoffs, even if you voted by mail in November. The deadline to register to vote for the runoffs is Monday, December 7.

To read the rest of the artiicle: https://www.democracydocket.com/2020/12/georgia-runoff-faqs/