US Midterm Election 2026: Georgia expects ‘quick results.’ What will we know once the voting closes?

As the US Midterm elections is underway, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said that he expects the state’s early vote totals to be uploaded by 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday on November 3. The Republican told reporters that counties were working to get results out quickly, according to a report by ABC news. More than 2.8 million people voted early which is a Georgia midterm record. So if the results for the first batch are released early it could give voters a substantial look at the race between Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican Rep. Mike Collins. Whether it’s enough to call the race depends on how close it is, what is the margin between them and how many ballots are still out.

When will Georgia midterm election results come in?

Most Georgia polls are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. ET. Advance voting and absentee totals are expected by 8 p.m. ET. Election Day votes will continue to come in as precincts deliver memory cards to county election offices. Even if the first release accounts for a large share of the vote, you should still wait as the margins can shift once results for more counties are in.

One precinct in Mitchell County opened about 10 minutes late, according to ABC News. Raffensperger said the precinct could get those minutes back at the end of the day if needed.

Will Fulton County’s ballot rescan delay results?

Raffensperger said he did not expect a delay in results and they will be doing the quickest counting as possible. Two scanners malfunctioned during advance voting, affecting 1,069 ballots. A county memo called for rescanning 361 paper ballots from Mechanicsville Library. Officials planned to try retrieving results from the other scanner before deciding whether to rescan another 708 ballots. The equipment problems affected how officials would retrieve or count the votes. The paper ballots were still available.

Which Georgia races should you watch?

Ossoff is seeking a second Senate term against Collins in a race that could help determine control of the chamber. Georgia is also electing a successor to Gov. Brian Kemp. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms faces Republican Rick Jackson. When the first totals appear, look at how much of the vote is still outstanding before reading too much into either lead.

FAQs

Where can I track official Georgia midterm election results?

The Georgia Secretary of State’s results page links to the state’s election returns. Election night totals are preliminary.

Will Georgia announce winners at 8 p.m. ET?

Raffensperger’s estimate refers to the early vote upload. It does not set a time for calling a winner.