Clarkesville, GA — February 10, 2026— Habersham County is providing additional details regarding the process to fill the vacancy on the Habersham County Board of Commissioners, District 3, following the resignation of Commissioner Jimmy Tench, effective February 13, 2026.
At their next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on February 16, 2026, the Habersham County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on a resolution calling for a special election to fill the unexpired term of District 3 Commissioner Jimmy Tench which does not conclude until December 31, 2026. The special election is expected to be held in conjunction with the May 19, 2026 General Primary Election.
The Habersham County Board of Elections will consider approval of the call for election at a Special Called Meeting on February 17, 2026. The official Call for Election will be advertised in the February 18, 2026 edition of the county’s legal organ, The Northeast Georgian.
Election Overview
It is important for prospective candidates and the public to understand that two separate elections will be held on May 19, 2026 for the District 3 Commission seat:
- A special election, held on May 19, 2026, to fill the unexpired term ending December 31, 2026, and
- A regular election, also held on May 19, 2026, to fill the District 3 Commission seat for a full four-year term beginning January 1, 2027.
Although the elections are held on the same day, they are separate races. Candidates who wish to run in both elections must qualify separately for each race, including payment of two separate qualifying fees and completion of all required qualifying paperwork for both elections.
The qualifying period for both the special election and the regular election will take place March 2 through March 6, 2026.
Should a runoff be needed for either election, the runoff date would be June 16, 2026.
Candidate Qualifications
To qualify as a candidate for the District 3 Commission seat, individuals must meet the required qualifications, including being a resident of District 3 in Habersham County, having resided in Habersham County for at least twelve (12) months prior to the election, being a qualified voter, being a citizen of the State of Georgia, and having attained the age of twenty-one (21) years.
Election Day for both the Special Election and the General Primary will be held on May 19, 2026. A runoff election, if required, would be held in accordance with state election law.
Individuals interested in qualifying as a candidate or seeking additional election-related information are encouraged to contact the Habersham County Board of Elections:
Habersham County Board of Elections
Attn: Laurel Ellison, Elections Supervisor / Chief Registrar
403 Habersham County Shopping Center
Cornelia, GA 30531
Phone: 706-839-0170
Email: lellison@habershamga.com
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
For general county information related to this announcement, please contact:
Brandalin Carnes
Habersham County Clerk
706-839-0215
bcarnes@habershamga.com
