On January 21, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 310. It moves the Georgia non-presidential primary from July to May. This is the earliest Georgia has ever held congressional primaries and primaries for state office. Between 1916 and 1968, Georgia primaries were in September; then they were moved to August; then July; and now May.

The new formula for determining the primary date is the day that is 24 weeks before the general election. For 2014, that is May 20.

The bill does not change any petition deadlines for minor party and independent candidates. But the bill does move the dates forward for all candidates to pay their filing fees. Thanks to Tony Roza for this news.