Election season is here, and the easiest way to avoid last-minute stress is to make a plan early. Fulton County has published the official calendar and a full list of advance voting sites for the 2026 General Primary Election on Tuesday, May 19—including early voting hours, absentee ballot deadlines, and what to know if a runoff is needed.
At a Glance: What’s Happening and When
General Primary Election Day
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Early Voting (Advance Voting)
Early voting runs from Monday, April 27 through Friday, May 15 with multiple locations countywide.
Hours
- Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 2 & Saturday, May 9: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 3: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Note: No voting on Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day).
Why this matters: early voting gives you more flexibility, shorter lines, and fewer Election Day surprises.
Key Deadlines You Should Put on Your Calendar
Absentee Ballots (Vote By Mail)
If you’re planning to vote by mail, deadlines arrive quickly. The official “Key Dates and Deadlines” schedule includes:
- Monday, March 2, 2026: First day to request an absentee ballot
- Friday, May 8, 2026: Last day to request an absentee ballot
- Friday, May 15, 2026: Last day to return an absentee ballot in a drop box
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (Election Day): Last day for an absentee ballot to be submitted by mail (see the official deadline language for specifics)
Voter Registration Deadline
- Monday, April 20, 2026: Voter registration deadline
If you’ve moved, changed your name, or want to confirm your registration status, don’t wait—verify early.
Where to Vote Early in Fulton County
Fulton County has designated a wide network of early voting sites, including libraries, recreation centers, and service centers—spread across Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, South Fulton, Union City, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, College Park, Palmetto, Fairburn, and more.
In the Advance Voting Hours and Locations flyer:
- Each location is listed with an address.
- An asterisk (*) indicates a site with an absentee ballot drop box location.
Tip: If you’re returning an absentee ballot, choose a drop box site that’s convenient for you and return it early—drop boxes close before Election Day.
What About a Runoff?
If a runoff is required, Fulton County has also published a full calendar for the General Primary Runoff Election, including:
- New absentee ballot request/return deadlines
- Early voting start and end dates
- Runoff Election Day (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)
- Post-election risk-limiting audit dates
Even if you don’t expect a runoff, it’s worth knowing the timeline—runoffs often have lower turnout, and every vote matters.
How to Use These Graphics (and Share Them)
We’re including two helpful visuals in this post:
- Advance Voting Hours and Locations Use this to choose your early voting site and confirm the countywide early voting schedule.
- Key Dates and Deadlines Use this to plan your registration, absentee ballot request, early voting window, and runoff dates.
Share them with:
- Friends and neighbors who vote in Fulton County
- Your group chats and community organizations
- Anyone who might need extra reminders about deadlines
Your Voting Plan Checklist
Here’s a simple plan you can complete in under five minutes:
- Confirm your voter registration (especially if you moved)
- Decide how you’ll vote: early, Election Day, or absentee ballot
- If voting early: pick your location and a backup site
- If voting absentee: request early and return early
- Put the key deadlines in your calendar now
Stay Connected
As we get closer to Election Day, we’ll continue sharing reminders about early voting, key deadlines, and important updates. If you have questions about voting logistics, deadlines, or how to get involved, reach out through our usual channels—or keep an eye on official updates from Fulton County Elections.
Make your plan, vote early if you can, and help your community do the same.