Georgia’s runoff elections are 2 weeks away, after last year’s election law shortened the nine-week runoff timeframe to four. That makes June 21 the day for runoff elections.The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot for the runoff is June 10. Early voting begins June 13.

 
Before opponents are decided, candidates often speak in what you might call “bumper sticker politics.” They are long on catch phrases and familiar faces from one side of the political divide or the other and short on specifics. Listen to the candidates when you can and don’t fall for slogans over details.
 
Most candidates in the runoffs appeared on Monday for debates at the Atlanta Press Club. Recorded versions of select debates will be available on GPB by Monday evening.
 
10 am: 6th District Republicans Jake Evans and Rich McCormick
 
2:15 pm: Democrats for Secretary of State Dee Dawkins-Haigler and Bee Nguyen
 
3:15 pm: Lieutenant governor Democrats Charlie Bailey and Kwanza Hall
 
4:30 pm: Insurance commissioner Democrats Raphael Baker and Janice Laws Robinson
 
5:30 pm: Labor commissioner Democrats William Boddie and Nicole Horn
 
Here are the runoffs East Cobbers may have to vote on depending if you are voting or Republican.
 
 
U.S. House of Representatives:
 
 
District 6: Winner of the runoff will face Bob Christian (D).
RUNOFF:
  • Jake Evans (R): Remember these words: bold, trailblazing conservative. You’re likely to hear them a lot in Evans’ campaign speeches and mailings. Fully signed on to the America First agenda of former President Trump. A major proponent of the “big lie” that the 2020 election was fraudulent. Former chairman of Georgia’s Ethics Committee pushed challenges to the 2020 election outcome in Pennsylvania all the way to the Supreme Court.
  • Rich McCormick (R): Received twice as many votes as his opponent in the primary. An ER doctor and retired Marine, McCormick’s campaign sounds like he’s running against President Biden rather than Jake Evans or Bob Christian.
 
Lieutenant Governor
Winner of the runoff will face Burt Jones (R) on Nov. 8. Jeanne Seaver (R), who finished last in the primary, has asked the Secretary of State for a hand recount following a discrepancy in the count in DeKalb County. Voting machines were programmed for four candidates in the race for county commission but only three appeared on the ballot, resulting in an inaccurate tabulation.
RUNOFF:
  • Charlie Bailey (D): Heavy emphasis on law enforcement issues following an unsuccessful bid for Attorney General in 2018. Long list of endorsements from elected officials at every level of government.
  • Kwanza Hall (D): Long-time member of the Atlanta City Council and School Board. Hall served the last 33 days of the late Rep. John Lewis’ unexpired term. In that short time, he proposed six pieces of legislation asking for $55 million for transit on Atlanta’s Southside. 
 
Secretary of State
Winner of the runoff will face Brad Raffensperger (R-Incumbent) on Nov. 8.
RUNOFF:
  • Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D): Georgia Representative from 2009-2017; Ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in 2016, and for Secretary of State in 2018. Three of her former opponents endorsed her. “It’s about protecting your vote,” she says.
  • Bee Nguyen (D): The first Asian American Democrat elected to the Georgia legislature, House District 89, the seat formerly held by Stacey Abrams. Heavy focus on all issues related to voting and election integrity. Endorsed by Abrams and the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State. “I know what we can achieve when we have access to good schools, safe homes and strong communities,” she says.
 
Labor Commissioner
Winner of the runoff will face Bruce Thompson (R) on Nov. 8.
RUNOFF:
  • William Boddie (D): Has served five years as Representative of Georgia’s District 62 and as House Minority Whip from 2019 to 2021. A proponent of equal wages for men and women. Endorsed by 38 members of the Georgia House and more County Commissioners, District Attorneys and other elected officials than you can count.
  • Nicole Horn (D): Sold the training company she developed with her husband four years ago. Co-founder of Indivisible-5th, a branch of the national voting rights organization. Wants to update the Labor Department’s antiquated technology to streamline access to benefits, create mobile Career Centers to go to areas hardest hit by unemployment and under-employment.
 
Insurance Commissioner
Winner of the runoff will face John King (R-Incumbent) on Nov. 8. King was appointed to finish the term of Jim Beck, the disgraced former Commissioner.
RUNOFF:
  • Raphael Baker (D): Started in the insurance business as a receptionist, owned his own agency for six years and now works for national insurance carrier. Focus on equitable rates for healthcare and auto insurance, and educating consumers about insurance coverage.
  • Janice Laws Robinson (D): The Democratic nominee for Commissioner in 2018 lost by four percentage points to Jim Beck. An award-winning insurance agent. Focus on equitable rates especially for small business owners. 
 
Election Information
Deadline to request an absentee ballot for the runoff: June 10
Early voting for the runoff starts on June 13
Runoff: June 21
Apply for an absentee ballot for the midterm: Aug. 22.
Midterm election: Nov. 8
 
Check your registration status and your voting precinct at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov
This information was sourced from The League of Women Voters-Georgia Chapter June 6 e-newsletter. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The nonprofit never supports or opposes any political party or candidate.