Q: When is qualifying?

A: Qualifying for Political Party Candidates, Nonpartisan Candidates, Independent Candidates, and Political Body Candidates will begin Monday, March 2, 2020 at 9:00 AM and will cease on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 12:00 noon.

Qualifying for Independent and Political Body electors for President or Vice President will begin at 9:00 AM, Monday, June 22, 2020, and will cease at 12:00 noon on Friday, June 26, 2020. 

If you need information regarding additional requirements for qualifying as an independent or political body candidate, please contact the Secretary of State Elections Division at 404-656-2871 or your local Elections Supervisor. 

Q: Where will qualifying be conducted?

A: Qualifying for State Non-Partisan Offices (Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of Court of Appeals, and Judge of Superior Court) will be conducted at three locations in the state:

Elections Division 
Suite 802, West Tower
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-2871

Please note that any individual entering the Sloppy Floyd Building will be required to present identification at the security post. If you are planning to qualify at the Secretary of State Elections Division, please be sure to bring your identification (i.e. valid driver’s license).

South Georgia Office 
238 East Second Street
Tifton, GA 31794
229-391-3732

Professional Licensing Boards Division
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217
478-207-2440

Qualifying for political parties for state offices will be conducted at the State Capitol.

Democratic Party of Georgia will be located in room 230.

Georgia Republican Party will be located in room 216.

Please contact the state parties if you need additional information regarding requirements for qualifying.

Georgia Republican Party Qualifying
State Capitol Building
Room 216
Phone: 404-257-5559

Democratic Party of Georgia Qualifying
State Capitol Building
Room 230
Phone: 470-788-8922
[email protected]

For information on qualifying for local offices, please contact your local Elections Supervisor.  

Q: What are the qualifying fees?

A: Click HERE for qualifying fees for federal and state offices. For information on qualifying fees for local offices, please contact your local Elections Supervisor.

Q: What method of payment can I use to pay my qualifying fees?

A: For individuals qualifying for state non-partisan offices, you can pay by check, credit card, or money order. The Secretary of State’s office does not accept cash payments. Please remember if your check is returned for insufficient funds you will be automatically disqualified.

For individuals qualifying with a state political party, local political party, or local Elections Supervisor, please contact the organization for acceptable methods of payment.

Q: What will I need to bring with me to qualify?

A: Please bring valid identification for notary purposes. You may also bring a completed declaration of candidacy if you are running as a political party candidate or the notice of candidacy if you are qualifying for a non-partisan office. You will also need to bring your qualifying fee.

Q: Can someone submit my declaration/notice of candidacy on my behalf?

A: Yes, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A. §§ 21-2-132, 153) allows for the candidate or their agent to submit the declaration/notice of candidacy. If your agent is submitting the form on your behalf, it must be completed in its entirety and include the notarized original signature.