Early Filings, Voter Roll Concerns Shape Muscogee County’s Run-Up to 2026 Elections

This is an abbreviated version of our interview with Director of Elections and Registration Nancy Boren. See the full Q & A interview in this weeks Sunday Edition.

With the 2026 election cycle gaining momentum, Muscogee County is already seeing heightened political engagement months before the official qualifying period. Though candidates are not required to formally qualify until March 2–6, several residents have already filed Declarations of Intention to run, signaling an energized start to the upcoming municipal races.

To help voters and potential candidates understand the implications of filing early—along with concerns surrounding voter-roll maintenance—The Courier Eco Latino spoke with Nancy Boren, Director of Elections & Registration for Muscogee County.

Early Filing Opens Campaign Doors but Carries No Administrative Impact

Boren said the primary benefit of filing a Notice of Candidacy ahead of the March qualifying window is financial. “The main reason to complete a Declaration of Intention early is that it allows the potential candidate to begin collecting and spending funds to further the campaign,” she said. Early filing also gives candidates more time to increase name recognition and clarify their messaging.

However, Boren emphasized that early filings do not create any administrative or strategic benefit for the Elections & Registration Office. “The official record of candidacy is payment of the qualifying fee and completion of the candidacy affidavit during qualifying week,” she said.

Still, early declaration offers practical advantages for first-time candidates who may be unfamiliar with deadlines or documentation. Boren said early filers can meet with elections staff, ask questions, and verify key qualifications—such as residency, citizenship, age requirements, and voter-registration status—long before the busy qualifying period.

One key misconception Boren addressed is that filing early commits a person to the race. “A Declaration of Intention is not legally binding,” she said. “A potential candidate can decide not to run or may choose to file for a different office.”

Voter Roll Maintenance Remains Steady, Not a Crisis

With national concerns about voter purges resurfacing each election season, Boren said Muscogee County has not experienced an uptick in voters discovering that they’ve been removed from the rolls.

“We have not noticed an increase in the numbers in Muscogee County,” she said. “An inactive voter is still eligible to vote, and any contact with the election process moves them back to active status.”

Boren urged residents to respond to any communication from the Secretary of State or the Elections Office, noting that failure to respond is the most common reason voters find their status changed.

The state conducts two main types of voter-roll maintenance:

• NCOA (National Change of Address) checks: Voters whose records don’t match the national database receive confirmation notices.
• “No Contact” mailers: Sent to active voters who show no activity for five years. Without response, they become inactive. If inactivity continues through two additional general elections—2026 and 2028—voters may face cancellation in 2029.

“My Voter Page is a one-stop shop,” Boren said, referring to the state’s portal at mvp.sos.ga.gov, where voters can verify registration, precinct location, sample ballots, and update their information. Registration updates can also be made online, at the Department of Driver Services, or directly at the Elections Office.

Costs of Running for Office and 2026 Expectations

With several City Council, School Board, and mayoral seats on the ballot next year, candidates should be aware of qualifying fees, which are based on 3% of each position’s statutory salary under Georgia law.

City Council will officially set the 2026 fees in January, but Boren said typical rates are:
• City Council: $420
• School Board: $360
• Mayor: $1,950

Candidates who cannot afford the fee may pursue a pauper’s petition, which requires signatures from eligible voters and an affidavit detailing financial hardship and all personal assets.

While early filing does not create financial shortcuts, it does allow campaigns to start raising funds and building organizational infrastructure sooner. All required forms and ethics disclosures are available year-round at columbusga.org/elections and sos.ga.gov.

A Busy Season Ahead

With early declarations already stacking up and voter-registration accuracy under the microscope, Muscogee County’s 2026 election cycle is positioned to be one of the most active in recent memory. As March draws closer, election officials expect more residents to step forward.

For Boren, the key to a smooth election is simple: “Verify your registration, know your district, and communicate with our office if you have questions,” she said. “Whether you’re a voter or a candidate, preparation makes all the difference.”