Primary elections in Kentucky, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Oregon, and Idaho: What you need to know

Although the term “Super Tuesday” is typically used to refer to a day when several states hold elections during the presidential primaries, May 19 will mark a different kind of “Super Tuesday,” as it will be one of the most important days on the midterm election calendar, with six states voting simultaneously in races that could determine future control of Congress and gauge President Donald Trump’s political influence within the Republican Party.

Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Idaho, and Oregon are the states that will hold their primary elections this Tuesday. These elections will serve to select candidates for federal, state, and local offices, including governorships, seats in the Senate and the House of Representatives, and state legislatures and other judicial or administrative positions.

When are the primary elections?

The primary elections in these states will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Polling hours vary by state. In Georgia, Alabama, and Pennsylvania, most polling places will open at 7:00 a.m. and close between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. local time.

In Kentucky, some counties operate on different time zones, so certain polling places will close an hour later than others.

Oregon maintains a predominantly mail-in voting system, so ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday to be counted.

To check the specific hours for each location, it is advisable to consult the official websites of state election authorities or contact the relevant polling place before heading to the polls.

What’s on the ballot?

The offices up for election vary by state, though the main races include governorships, federal seats, and state legislatures.

In Georgia, one of the most closely watched races is the Republican primary to determine who will face Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in November. Part of the race for the state governorship will also be decided.

Kentucky will host one of the most high-profile Republican primaries of the election cycle: that of Congressman Thomas Massie, who faces a strong challenge backed by Trump following years of disagreements with the president. Additionally, the state will select candidates to replace retiring Senator Mitch McConnell.

In Alabama, Senator Tommy Tuberville is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, leaving an open race for the U.S. Senate. The state will also vote for its 140 state legislative seats and various regulatory and judicial positions.

Pennsylvania will hold crucial primaries for several House districts that could prove decisive in determining which party will control Congress after November.

In Idaho, voters will elect candidates for governor, the Senate, and the U.S. House, while in Oregon, races for governor and Congress will be contested, along with a state ballot measure on gasoline taxes and infrastructure.

Who can vote?

The rules for participating in primaries vary by state.

Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Oregon use closed systems, which means that only voters registered with a political party can participate in that party’s primary. Independents cannot vote in those contests.

Idaho also holds a closed Republican primary. Only registered Republicans can participate in it, although independent voters can join a party on Election Day.

In Alabama, on the other hand, an open primary system is used. Voters can decide on Election Day whether they want to participate in the Democratic or Republican primary.

What ID is required to vote?

Most states require a valid government-issued photo ID to cast a vote in person. In Alabama, officials accept driver’s licenses, U.S. passports, military IDs, tribal IDs, and some student IDs. In Idaho, state driver’s licenses, passports, and tribal IDs are also accepted.

Specific requirements may vary depending on whether the voter recently registered or is voting for the first time in a new district.

Where to vote?

Voters can find their polling places on each state’s official election website. In Oregon, where voting is primarily by mail, ballots can be mailed or dropped off at authorized drop-off locations.

In states such as Idaho and Alabama, there are also online tools to locate polling places and verify voter registration. Additionally, some states allow same-day registration at certain polling places.

When will the results be announced?

The first results will begin to be released after polls close on Tuesday night. However, some states may take longer to complete the count. Oregon, for example, typically takes longer to process votes due to the large number of mail-in ballots. In Georgia and Alabama, certain races could go to a runoff if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.

The general election will be held on November 3, 2026, and will determine the balance of power in Congress during the final two years of Trump’s second term.

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