ATLANTA- Secretary of State Karen Handel announced today receipt of Governor Sonny Perdue’s Writ of election setting June 19 as the date for the special election to fill the Tenth Congressional District seat left vacant by the passing of Congressman Charlie Norwood.

 After discussions with the Governor and considering the impact on the affected counties, Secretary Handel indicated that she will set the qualifying period after the close of the Georgia General Assembly Session.   This enables any legislator who is considering a run for the Congressional seat to serve out the session and sets a timeline for one election for the Congressional seat and any General Assembly seats that may become vacant.  County election officials within the 10^th Congressional District are being notified immediately of the June 19 Special election date. The last day to register to vote for the Special election is May 21.

 “Waiting until the close of the session will let the counties consolidate the elections for the Congressional seat and any General Assembly vacancies.  This means less cost to the taxpayers and should also help with turnout,” said Secretary Handel.

 Secretary Handel will announce the qualifying period for the Congressional election immediately following the close of the legislative session.  This process includes issuing a “call” to the citizens of the affected counties announcing the election date and the qualifying dates.  The “call” is published in major newspapers with significant circulation, including the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Augusta Chronicle, the Athens Banner-Herald, and various weekly newspapers in the district.  The announcement will be run several days prior to the start of the two and a half day qualifying period.

 The Official Code of Georgia states that a Special election for a Congressional seat cannot be held less than 30 days after the issuance of the writ. Qualifying for the seat must be held for two and one-half days and must end at least 25 days prior to the election.   Further, a special election to fill a General Assembly vacancy is set through the same process involving the Governor’s Writ and Secretary’s Call.   

 Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our business community, our government, and our citizens. These services include an efficient and secure election process, and the regulation of corporations, securities, and professional license holders. The Office also controls the state archives and the Capitol museum.