Loeffler, Collins, Warnock, Lieberman, et al Not On June 9 Ballot – On Purpose

Yes, the headline is written for the people that never click the links. For the past few days as early voting hit its crescendo, social media has filled with people apoplectic that the race to fill the unexpired term of Senator Johnny Isakson was left off their ballot. You’re not being cheated, so calm down.

This race is a special election. As such, the 20 people that qualified (plus the one write in candidate) will all be on the same ballot this November.

The time to question the wisdom of such a “jungle primary” setup – where all candidates face off head to head regardless of party and the top two move on to a January runoff (presuming no one gets over 50%) – has long passed. Georgia law requires one appointed to fill the unexpired term of a U.S. Senator to stand for election during the next General election, i.e, November. There is no provision for a primary.

That’s all there is to it really. I just decided I was tired of answering this question and don’t want to deal with it all day Tuesday. Thus, if you’re asked this question, this is your pre-prepared answer to share.

One bonus thing: I believe the last count was over 1.5 million Georgians voted by absentee ballot. The process to verify, open, and record each individual ballot takes a lot longer than reading a hard drive and uploading the data. Thus, don’t expect many results at 7pm. Or 8pm. Maybe even 9pm.

Better plan: Go to bed early and hopefully we’ll know about key races by Wednesday morning. Except for the Isakson/Loeffler seat. For that, you’ll likely have to wait until November. And then January.