Habersham County Announces Process to Fill District 3 Commission Vacancy

Habersham County officials have released additional information regarding the upcoming special election to fill the District 3 seat on the Habersham County Board of Commissioners following the resignation of Commissioner Jimmy Tench.

Tench’s resignation becomes effective February 13, 2026.

At its regularly scheduled meeting on February 16, the Habersham County Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on a resolution calling for a special election to fill the remainder of Tench’s term, which runs through December 31, 2026.

The election is anticipated to take place alongside the May 19, 2026 General Primary.

The Habersham County Board of Elections will then consider approval of the election call during a special called meeting on February 17. The official notice will be published in the February 18 edition of the county’s legal organ, The Northeast Georgian.

Two Elections on the Same Day

Voters should note that two separate races for the District 3 commission seat will appear on the May 19 ballot:

A special election to fill the unexpired term ending December 31, 2026•

A regular election to fill the next full four-year term beginning January 1, 2027

Although both elections will occur on the same day, they are considered separate contests. Candidates who wish to run in both races must qualify individually for each election, including filing separate paperwork and paying separate qualifying fees.

The qualifying period for both elections will take place March 2 through March 6, 2026. If necessary, a runoff election would be held June 16, 2026.

Candidate Requirements

Individuals seeking the District 3 seat must meet several qualifications.

Candidates must be a resident of District 3, have lived in Habersham County for at least 12 months prior to the election, be a qualified voter, a citizen of the State of Georgia, and at least 21 years of age.

Election Day for both the special election and the General Primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

Anyone interested in qualifying as a candidate or seeking additional information may contact the Habersham County Board of Elections:

Habersham County Board of Elections

Laurel Ellison, Elections Supervisor/Chief Registrar

403 Habersham County Shopping Center

Cornelia, GA 30531

Phone: 706-839-0170

Email: lellison@habershamga.com

County officials say additional information will be released as it becomes available.