May Matters Coalition Drives Record Civic Engagement in Georgia Primary; June Matters Runoff Outreach Already Underway

ATLANTA – Georgia's primary election made history this week. The Georgia Secretary of State has already reported more than two million ballots cast, breaking every historical voter turnout record for a Georgia primary election. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is proud to continue partnering with May Matters as the initiative expands into June Matters. This nonpartisan civic education effort, launched in partnership with trusted community leaders including the Interfaith Coalition and Georgians United, played a meaningful role in driving May’s historic voter participation and will continue encouraging civic engagement and informed participation in the weeks ahead.

The Georgia Matters coalition — comprised of more than 250 leaders across the state, including over 55 chambers of commerce, faith communities, nonprofits, civic organizations, and community groups — spent weeks delivering nonpartisan voter education through the institutions Georgians trust most. Partners carried the message through newsletters, social media, workplace communications, community events, and grassroots outreach in communities across Georgia.

Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber, said:

“This week’s historic turnout demonstrates a renewed level of civic engagement across Georgia. Compared to 2022, significantly more Georgians participated in this year’s primary election, showing that voters are paying attention and making their voices heard. As we move into the runoff election, our focus remains on keeping voters informed, engaged, and prepared to participate again on June 16.”

Marjorie Clifton, Co-Founder of May Matters, said:

"The turnout numbers reflect what happens when trusted voices are empowered to inform and educate their communities. May Matters was built to meet people where they are — in workplaces, faith communities, civic groups, and local organizations across Georgia.”

The Work Isn't Finished. June 16 Runoff Is Next.

Multiple races, including the widely watched Republican governor's race and the U.S. Senate Republican primary, are headed to a runoff on June 16. And history offers a sobering warning: while Georgia's primary has historically seen turnout around 14% of eligible voters, primary runoffs typically see a drop-off of 75% or more, with only a small fraction of primary voters returning to the polls.

May Matters is launching runoff materials next Tuesday, May 26, 2026, so the coalition can carry the civic education effort through to June 16, under the continued banner of Georgia Matters . Every registered Georgian is eligible to participate in the runoff, and the stakes are high.

What Georgia voters need to know:

• Voters do not need to re-register to participate in the runoff.
• Voters who participated in a party's primary must vote in that same party's runoff.
• Voters who did not vote in this week’s primary may still participate and may choose either party's runoff ballot.
• Independents and first-time primary participants are welcome.

Key Dates:

• Primary Runoff Early Voting: June 8 – June 12, 2026
• Primary Runoff Election Day: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 (polls open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

Access the free Georgia Matters nonpartisan toolkit, including voter information, key dates, and resources for organizations to share with their communities, at gachamber.com/maymatters or gamatters.us.

###

Founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in Georgia, working to protect free enterprise and secure our long-term economic prosperity. The Georgia Chamber represents tens of thousands of members in every corner of the state, with offices in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton. In 2025 the Georgia Chamber launched Georgia|2050, a strategic plan to ensure Georgia remains a beacon of economic opportunity for the next 25 years. For more information visit gachamber.com.