What is required to be elected to public office in Georgia?

To be elected to public office in Georgia, a candidate must receive 50% plus one vote of the total votes cast in the election. This requirement ensures that the winner has a clear majority support from the electorate, rather than just the largest share of votes, which could occur under a simple plurality system. In situations where no candidate achieves this majority in primary elections, a runoff election may be held between the top candidates to determine the winner, further emphasizing the importance of securing that specific majority threshold. This system is designed to enhance the democratic process by ensuring the elected official reflects a more significant consensus among voters.

Options that suggest a simple majority or a larger percentage do not fully capture the requirement as precisely as the 50% plus one vote criterion. Similarly, a unanimous decision is an unrealistic expectation in elections, as it would essentially require every voter to agree, which is impractical in a large electorate.