Understanding Early Filing, Voter Rolls, and 2026 Qualifying

A Q&A with Nancy Boren, Director of Elections & Registration, Muscogee County.

As the 2026 election cycle intensifies, Muscogee County is already witnessing a surge in political interest. Although official qualifying does not begin until March, several individuals have already signaled their intentions to run, raising questions about the advantages of early filing, voter-registration accuracy, and the cost of seeking public office.

To bring clarity to voters and potential candidates alike, The Courier Eco Latino sat down with Nancy Boren, Director of Elections & Registration, for a detailed conversation on what early filers should know, why voter rolls change, and what to expect as we approach the 2026 qualifying period.

A. Early Filing & Candidate Preparedness

Q: What are the primary advantages of filing a Notice of Candidacy—or “intent to run”—early?

Boren: The main benefit is that a potential candidate can begin collecting and spending campaign funds immediately. Early filing also allows candidates to start building name recognition within the community.

Q: Does filing early provide any administrative or strategic benefits for the Elections Office?

Boren: No. The official record of candidacy occurs only when the qualifying fee is paid and the candidate files formal paperwork during qualifying week—March 2 at 9 a.m. through March 6 at noon.

Q: Are there issues early filers can resolve more easily now versus during qualifying week?

Boren: Yes. Potential candidates can confirm whether they meet the qualifications or disqualifications for the office they’re seeking. This includes verifying age, citizenship, residency, and voter-registration status.

Q: For new candidates, what deadlines or steps does filing early help prevent them from missing?

Boren: Campaign-disclosure deadlines and qualifying deadlines. Early filers can also meet with election staff to ask questions and get guidance on requirements they may not be familiar with.

Q: Are there any misconceptions about early filing that you’d like to clarify?

Boren: Filing a Declaration of Intention (DOI) is not legally binding. A potential candidate may file a DOI and later choose not to run—or decide to seek a different office.

B. Purged Voters, Inactive Status & List Maintenance

Q: Have you seen an increase in voters discovering they’ve been purged from the rolls?

Boren: No. We haven’t seen an increase in Muscogee County. A voter remains active simply by having contact with the elections office. Even inactive voters are still eligible to vote—any election activity moves them back to active status.

Q: What are the most common reasons voters find themselves removed from the rolls?

Boren: Typically, it’s the result of not responding to communications from either the Secretary of State or the Elections Office. Checking My Voter Page (mvp.sos.ga.gov) helps voters confirm their details and avoid problems.

Q: How often is voter-roll maintenance conducted? How can residents avoid being purged?

Boren: The Secretary of State determines list-maintenance cycles. Two primary processes are used:

• NCOA (National Change of Address) Check: If voter info doesn’t match postal records, a confirmation notice is mailed.
• “No Contact” Mailer: Sent to voters who have had no voter-registration activity for five years.
  • No response = moved to inactive
  • Continued inactivity through 2026 and 2028 general elections leads to a 2029 cancellation notice
  • Responding keeps the voter active.

Q: How important is it for candidates to verify registration status and district assignment before filing?

Boren: Extremely important. Candidates must live in—and be registered in—the district of the office they seek.

Q: If a voter discovers they’ve been purged, what should they do? How fast can they be reinstated?

Boren: My Voter Page is the best tool for checking status and updating information. Voter-registration changes can be completed:

• Online at MVP
• When renewing a driver’s license
• At the Department of Driver Services
• Directly at the Elections Office

Updates must be made before that election’s registration deadline.

C. Costs & Requirements for Running in 2026

Q: What are the qualifying fees for each office up for election in 2026?

Boren: Fees are based on 3% of each office’s statutory annual salary. Council will set the official fees in January 2026. Typically:

• City Council: $420
• School Board: $360
• Mayor: $1,950

These remain unofficial until set by Council.

Q: Where do qualifying fees come from and how are they calculated?

Boren: State law—OCGA 21-2-131(a)(1)(A)—sets the fee at 3% of the base salary for the office.

Q: Are fee waivers or petition options available for candidates who cannot afford the qualifying fee?

Boren: Yes. Candidates may file a pauper’s petition, which requires:

• A specified percentage of signatures from eligible voters
• An affidavit affirming inability to pay
• A complete list of all assets, including those jointly held or held by others on the candidate’s behalf

Q: Is there any financial advantage to filing early?

Boren: The advantage is that early filers can begin raising funds sooner. All forms and disclosures are available online anytime at columbusga.org/elections and sos.ga.gov.