May Matters campaign aims to lift Georgia primary turnout

By AI, Created 5:24 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Georgians United and In Good Company launched May Matters, a nonpartisan campaign to push more Georgians to vote in the May primary, where many contests are effectively decided. The effort comes as early turnout is running 12% ahead of the 2022 primary and with key deadlines approaching on May 15 and May 19.

Why it matters: - Georgia’s primary elections decide many of the state’s most consequential races before November voters weigh in. - The campaign is aimed at raising participation in a low-turnout election that shapes state government, Congress and local boards. - May Matters says primary engagement affects Georgia’s workforce, economy and community stability.

What happened: - Georgians United partnered with In Good Company to launch May Matters, a nonpartisan public awareness campaign focused on Georgia’s primary elections. - The campaign kicked off in mid-April and is offering a free public toolkit with graphics, messaging, social posts and outreach materials. - The toolkit is designed for businesses, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, faith organizations, media outlets, schools and community groups. - The campaign is encouraging voters to research candidates and make a voting plan before the primary.

The details: - May Matters says Georgia ranks near the bottom nationally in primary turnout. - Only 15% of Georgia’s voting-age population participated in the 2024 primary. - In 2024, 13 of Georgia’s 14 U.S. House races were effectively decided in the primary, with only one decided in November. - Voters age 65 and older made up about one-third of primary voters in 2024, while representing 15% of the population. - Several races, including two Supreme Court seats and school board positions, are decided only in the primary and do not appear on the November ballot. - Georgia primary elections are open to all eligible voters, regardless of party registration. - Voters can choose a Republican, Democratic or nonpartisan ballot. - Early turnout in the 2026 Georgia primary is 12% higher than in the 2022 primary, according to GeorgiaVotes.com. - Early voting ends May 15, and Primary Election Day is May 19. - More information and the toolkit are available at May Matters Georgia. - May Matters is a civic education initiative by In Good Company, which says the coalition works with businesses, faith communities, associations, nonprofits and civic organizations to explain how the primary process works. - May Matters does not endorse candidates or take positions on public policy. - Georgians United is a Georgia-based, cross-partisan nonprofit focused on increasing primary-election participation.

Between the lines: - The campaign is targeting a familiar gap in U.S. politics: low awareness that primary elections can determine the real winners. - The outreach strategy leans on trusted local institutions, which can reach voters who may ignore campaign ads or traditional political messaging. - A broader turnout boost would likely change which candidates advance in races where November voting is now largely ceremonial.

What’s next: - Georgians United is pressing registered voters to share the toolkit, follow election deadlines and show up during early voting or on Election Day. - The campaign will likely continue through the remainder of primary season as organizations circulate voter reminders and turnout materials. - Georgia voters who want details can access the campaign materials at May Matters Georgia.