Georgians will head to the polls in November to cast ballots for candidates in the general election. There are several seats that candidates are eagerly pursuing and seeking your vote. As demonstrated in the 2018 gubernatorial election, and even more so in the 2020 presidential election, the country witnessed Georgia turn from a red state to a blue one. Every vote, your vote, really does count.
Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) showed up and made their voices heard in recent elections.
Reflect on the 2018 gubernatorial race between Stacy Abrams and Brian Kemp: Kemp won by less than one percent. We can expect another contentious gubernatorial race this year, as Stacy Abrams is running again and looking to unseat Governor Kemp, as are two other candidates.
There have been redistricting and other changes made in communities across the state regarding voting centers and absentee ballot box drop off locations. It’s important to know in advance what, if anything, has changed in your community regarding casting your vote. Check with your local board of elections office to confirm you’re registered to vote and identify your polling location or visit the Georgia secretary of state website.
Visit OpenStates online to find out which state senate and house district you live in and the current state legislators who represent you. You can even see the committees the legislators serve on and the bills they have sponsored.
Visit Ballotpedia to learn more about the election history of your state-level districts and whether or not your current legislator has a general election challenger.
Visit Branch.vote to find your sample ballot and information about candidate platforms to plan who you will vote for.
To learn more about each candidate running, you can visit their respective personal campaign page and learn what their platform is and what priorities they are running on. Using these resources, you can ensure you are prepared to cast your vote for the candidates that best represent you.
When assessing the candidates and selecting who you will vote for, it is helpful for you to identify what’s most important to you and what changes would make the IDD community to the forefront in decision making and funding allocation. Consider creating a “Top 5 list” of priorities, why they are important, and what difference it would make for Georgia if changes were made. Priorities you might consider:
- Economy and Employment
- Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion
- Emergency Preparedness
- Education
- Access
- Voting Rights
- Rural Development
- Small Business Development
- Criminal Justice and Public Safety
There are many issues that candidates are addressing. As you decide what’s most important to you, your priority list can help you select the candidate that will best represent you. It can also help form questions to submit to candidates in the event you can attend an in-person or virtual event or even reach out to candidates by email.
For more information about voting and voting rights and support regarding disabilities connect with community partners The Arc Georgia and the Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO).
*It is important to note that GCDD does not endorse any candidate and that the enclosed information encompasses only a small piece of a larger political platform for each candidate. We encourage you to reach out to them with questions of your own—and to vote.
U.S. Senate
Georgia is considered a “battleground state” or “swing state.” This means support is closely divided by Democrats and Republicans and both parties have a good chance of winning. Therefore, every person who can choose who they want to represent them and their priorities should cast a ballot as every vote matters.
Candidates:
Raphael Warnock, Democrat, Incumbent
Herschel Walker, Republican
Chase Oliver, Libertarian
Governor
The governor is the chief executive of the state and oversees the executive branch. Governors have the power to enforce laws similar to the president.
Candidates:
Brian Kemp, Republican, Incumbent
Stacey Abrams, Democrat
Elbert Bartell, Libertarian
Shane Hazel, Libertarian
Lieutenant Governor
The lieutenant governor is the second-highest elected official and president of the state senate. The lieutenant governor oversees debates in the senate and works with advocates to introduce legislation.
Geoff Duncan is the incumbent, and he is not running for re-election.
Candidates:
Charlie Bailey, Democrat
Burt Jones, Republican
Ryan Graham, Libertarian
Attorney General
The attorney general is the head legal advisor for the governor and state agencies, boards, and commissions. The attorney general cannot provide legal assistance to private citizens while holding office.
Candidates:
Chris Carr, Republican, Incumbent
Jen Jordan, Democrat
Martin Cowen, Libertarian
Secretary of State
The secretary of state registers voters, grants professional licenses, tracks annual corporate filings, and oversees the state’s securities’ market.
Candidates:
Brad Raffensperger, Republican, Incumbent
Rep. Bee Nguyen, Democrat
Ted Metz, Libertarian
State Superintendent of Schools
The state superintendent of schools oversees the work of the state Department of Education that oversees the public education throughout the state to include laws and regulations related to education are followed and devoted state and federal funds are properly distributed to local school systems.
Candidates:
Richard Woods, Republican, Incumbent
Alisha Searcy, Democrat
Insurance Commissioner
The insurance commissioner licenses and regulates insurance companies; ensures insurance rates, rules, and forms comply with state law; investigates suspicions of insurance fraud; and conducts inspections of buildings and houses to prevent fire outbreak.
Candidates:
John King, Republican, Incumbent
Janice Laws Robinson, Democrat
Labor Commissioner
The labor commissioner is responsible for implementing the state’s labor regulations, operating its unemployment insurance and rehabilitation programs, and providing research and statistics of Georgia’s labor market.
Candidates:
William Boddie, Democrat
Bruce Thompson, Republican
Emily Anderson, Democrat
Several seats are open. Districts that have two more candidates are listed. You can use OpenStates to identify who represents your district.
Voting Dates to Remember
Absentee/Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline
In-Person: October 28, 2022
By mail: Received by October 28, 2022
Online: October 28, 2022
Absentee/Mail-in Ballot Return Deadline
In-Person: November 8, 2022
By mail: Received by November 8, 2022
Early Voting Available to All Voters
October 17, 2022 – November 4, 2022
Election Day
November 8, 2022
Polls Open 7am–7pm