Georgia Votes as Counting Begins in 2026 Election

Polls closed Tuesday in Georgia's 2026 general election, and vote tallies are now underway across the state.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a low classical government building silhouette above rolling pine forest under overcast sky. — Polls closed Tuesday in Georgia's 2026 general election as vote tallies began across the state, including the Cobb County District 3 commission race and a sales tax renewal. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support renewing the Cobb Special-Purpose Local Option Sales Tax?

Polls have closed for Georgia's 2026 general election, and vote counting has begun. Early voting and absentee figures are typically tallied first, followed by same-day results.

Why it matters

Georgia voters are choosing candidates and deciding ballot measures that shape local governance in Cobb County and across the state. The outcome of these races will determine who holds local seats and how local sales tax revenue is directed.

Turnout data reflects early and absentee participation, with 40 percent of Cobb's registered voters casting ballots in the three weeks before Election Day. Final results for the local contests have not yet been tallied.

The players

JoAnn Birrell

Candidate for District 3 on the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, facing Kevin Redmon in the race.

Kevin Redmon

Candidate for District 3 on the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, facing JoAnn Birrell in the race.

David Chastain

Candidate for Post 4 on the Cobb County Board of Education, running against Micheal Garza.

Micheal Garza

Candidate for Post 4 on the Cobb County Board of Education, running against David Chastain.

The details

Vote counting began after polls closed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. In Cobb County, the District 3 Board of Commissioners race pits JoAnn Birrell against Kevin Redmon, while David Chastain and Micheal Garza compete for Post 4 on the Cobb Board of Education. Voters also weighed renewal of the Cobb Special-Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Three weeks before Election Day: early voting period begins in Cobb County
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: polls close and vote counting begins across Georgia

Season Trajectory

Georgia's 2020 general election set records for early and absentee voting, and the 40 percent early turnout in Cobb County suggests that pattern is continuing. Local races like these often follow the same early-voting trend as statewide contests.

Cobb County voters will see results for the commission, school board, and sales tax renewal as counting continues. The outcome of the sales tax renewal will determine whether the levy continues to fund local projects.

The takeaway

Local races often receive less attention than statewide contests, but they directly shape county services and budgets. Following county election results is one way residents can track decisions affecting their daily lives.