This document outlines the process and timing for special elections in Georgia to fill vacancies in elected offices. It discusses the scenarios and timeline for gubernatorial writs of special election and the timing of those elections during and between legislative sessions in odd and even numbered years, as well as for vacancies that occur before a new term begins or during special legislative sessions.

1. Y1 Session
Begins
(odd year)
Y1 Session Ends 60 days prior to
General Election
Tuesday
General Election
Tuesday
Y2 Session
Begins
à à à
21-2-544(1) 21-2-544(2) 21-2-544(3)
During Session:
• Governor issues writ of special election within 10
days of vacancy
• Election held between 30 and 60 days after writ
Between session and start of 60 day
period (Y1):
• Governor issue writ anytime
before start of 60-day period
• At least 30 days after
issuance, no later than start of
60-day period
After 60-day period begins, prior to Y2 Session beginning:
• Governor issues writ of election within 10 days of vacancy
• Election held between 30 and 60 days after writ issued
Y2 Session
Begins
(even year)
Y2 Session Ends 60 days prior to
General Election
Tuesday
General Election
Tuesday
Y1 Session
Begins – Next
Term à à
21-2-544(1) 21-2-544(5)
During Session:
• Governor issues writ of special election within 10
days of vacancy
• Election held between 30 and 60 days after writ
After Session ends (Y2):
• At Governor’s discretion (election will be held that year either way)
Other Scenarios:
21-2-544(4) 21-2-544(6)(A) 21-2-544(6)(B)
After being elected but prior to taking office:
• Pursuant to 21-2-504
• Writ issued within 10 days
• Election held between 30 and 60 days after writ
issued
Governor calls special session during vacancy:
• Governor issues writ of election within 2 days of
calling special session
• Election held between 30 and 60 days of writ
Vacancy occurs during special session:
• Governor issues writ within 5 days of vacancy
• Election held between 30 and 60 days of writ