Four elections are on the calendar this year — here's what voters in Newton, Rockdale, and Walton Counties need to know before stepping into the booth.
By CJ Lester | CJ Lester Investigates Monday, February 23, 2026
An election year is underway in Georgia, and for voters across Newton, Rockdale, and Walton Counties, 2026 brings four separate trips to the ballot box — or the early voting site. Whether you're a first-time voter or a longtime resident, understanding the difference between Election Day and early voting can make sure your voice actually counts. Here is everything you need to know.
Four Elections. Four Deadlines. Mark Your Calendar.
The Rockdale County Board of Elections has released the official 2026 Georgia election schedule, which applies statewide and therefore covers residents of Newton, Rockdale, and Walton Counties alike. Here is the full rundown:
General Primary & Nonpartisan Election: Tuesday, May 19, 2026. This is where party nominees are chosen for federal, state, and local offices. Voter registration deadline: April 20, 2026.
General Primary & Nonpartisan Runoff: Tuesday, June 16, 2026. If no candidate secures a majority in the May primary, the top two advance to a runoff. Voter registration deadlines: April 20 and *May 18, 2026 (federal deadline).
General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The main event — federal, state, and local offices are decided. Voter registration deadline: October 5, 2026.
Federal & State General Election Runoff: Tuesday, December 1, 2026. If any federal or state races require a runoff after November. Voter registration deadlines: October 5 and *November 2, 2026 (federal deadline).
Election Day vs. Early Voting: What's the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions voters have, and the answer is simpler than you might think. They are not the same thing, but your vote carries equal weight either way.
Election Day is the official date set by state law — the Tuesdays listed above. On Election Day, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. across Georgia. You must vote at your assigned polling location, which is determined by your registered address. If you show up at the wrong precinct, your ballot may only be partially counted or may not count at all.
Early Voting — also called Advance Voting in Georgia law — allows registered voters to cast their ballots in person before Election Day. Under state law, early voting must begin no later than the fourth Monday prior to a primary or general election. Georgia law also requires a minimum of two Saturdays of early voting. The key advantage: during early voting, you can vote at ANY advance voting location within your county, not just your assigned precinct.
For the May 19 General Primary, the in-person early voting period runs from April 27 through May 15, with Saturday voting on May 2 and May 9. For the November 3 General Election, early voting runs from October 13 through October 30, with Saturday voting on October 17 and October 24.
Early Voting Locations: County by County
While the statewide election dates are set, specific advance voting locations and hours are determined by each individual county. Georgia law requires counties to announce those details at least 14 days before the early voting period begins. Here is what we know so far:
Rockdale County The Rockdale County Board of Elections is located at 1115 West Avenue SW, Conyers, GA 30012. Voters can contact them at 770-278-7333 or visit the county website for advance voting location updates as the election approaches.
Newton County Specific 2026 advance voting dates and locations will be announced by the Newton County Board of Elections and Registration as the election approaches. Newton County Board of Elections and Registration, 8134 Geiger Street NW, Covington, GA 30014. Phone: 770-784-2055.
Walton County Walton County has three permanent advance voting locations that have been used in prior elections: Felker Park at 725 S. Madison Ave. in Monroe, South Walton Community Room at 573 Fairplay Dr. in Social Circle, and Meridian Park at 105 Generation Blvd. in Loganville. The county elections office can be reached at 770-267-1337. Confirm 2026 specific hours and dates at waltoncountyga.gov.
Voting by Absentee Ballot
Any registered Georgia voter can request an absentee ballot — no excuse is required. Applications are accepted between 78 and 11 days before Election Day. For the May 19 primary, absentee ballots will be mailed starting no earlier than April 20 and applications must be submitted by May 8. Your completed ballot must be returned and received by the county board of registrars by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. You can apply online at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
Make Sure You're Registered
Before any of these dates matter, you have to be registered. Georgia voters can verify their registration status, update their address, or register to vote online at mvp.sos.ga.gov — the My Voter Page. Deadlines vary by election, so don't wait. The deadline for the May 19 primary is April 20. If you miss that window but need to participate in the June 16 runoff, the federal registration deadline is May 18.
Have a tip, question, or open records request related to elections in our coverage area? Reach out to CJ Lester Investigates.
CJ Lester Investigates | Newton, Rockdale & Walton Counties, Georgia
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