When Georgians vote this fall, they'll pick a new governor, a U.S. senator and nine other statewide officials, plus three changes to the state constitution. Most voters know the top of the ballot. Far fewer know what a labor commissioner or insurance commissioner actually does.

Here's every statewide race on the Nov. 3 ballot: what the job is, why it matters to you, and who's running. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

Early voting runs Oct. 13 through Oct. 30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. If no one gets more than half the vote in a race, there's a runoff on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Governor

What the job is: Georgia's chief executive. The governor proposes the state budget, signs or vetoes bills passed by the legislature, appoints judges when there's a vacancy, and commands the Georgia National Guard. Four-year term.

Why it matters to you: The governor shapes state taxes, school funding, health care policy and how the state responds to emergencies like hurricanes.

This year: Gov. Brian Kemp can't run again because of term limits, so the seat is open.

Where they stand (in their own words and campaign plans):

U.S. Senate

What the job is: One of Georgia's two senators in Washington. Senators vote on federal laws and the federal budget, and confirm Supreme Court justices, federal judges and Cabinet members. Six-year term.

Why it matters to you: The Senate decides federal taxes, Social Security and Medicare policy, military spending and who sits on the federal courts.

Where they stand: Ossoff says repealing President Trump's tariffs and health care cuts would make "gas more affordable," groceries more affordable and health care more affordable. Collins, who has campaigned as a staunch ally of President Trump, says the president's tax cuts, deregulation and energy policies are the route to lower prices, and he wrote the Laken Riley Act, which expanded the government's power to detain migrants accused of crimes.

Lieutenant Governor

What the job is: The state's No. 2 official. The lieutenant governor presides over the Georgia Senate, which gives the office major influence over which bills pass, and would become governor if the office became vacant. Elected separately from the governor. Four-year term.

This year: No incumbent is on the ballot.

Secretary of State

What the job is: Runs Georgia's elections, registers businesses and corporations, and licenses many professions, from nurses and barbers to contractors. Four-year term.

This year: No incumbent is on the ballot.

Attorney General

What the job is: Georgia's top lawyer. The attorney general represents the state and its agencies in court, defends state laws, protects consumers from scams and fraud, and prosecutes certain crimes statewide. Four-year term.

This year: No incumbent is on the ballot.

Agriculture Commissioner

What the job is: Oversees Georgia's largest industry, farming. The department also inspects grocery stores and food plants for food safety, and checks that gas pumps give you the fuel you pay for. Four-year term.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner

What the job is: Regulates insurance companies in Georgia, including car, home and health insurers, and handles consumer complaints against them. The office is also Georgia's state fire marshal. Four-year term.

Why it matters to you: If you've seen your car or home insurance go up, this is the office that oversees those companies.

Labor Commissioner

What the job is: Runs the Georgia Department of Labor, which handles unemployment benefits and helps people find jobs. Four-year term.

State School Superintendent

What the job is: Runs the Georgia Department of Education, which oversees public schools statewide, including state testing and how state money is sent to school districts. Four-year term.

Public Service Commission (two seats)

What the job is: Sets the rates Georgia Power can charge for electricity. Six-year terms. Every Georgian votes for both seats, no matter where they live.

This year: Republicans hold a 3-2 majority. If Democrats win both seats, they take control. (Read our full explainer: Your Georgia Power Bill Is on the Ballot.)

Also on your ballot

• U.S. House: your district's member of Congress. Columbus is split between District 2 (Sanford Bishop, D, incumbent, vs. Matt Day, R) and District 3 (Brian Jack, R, incumbent, vs. Maura Keller, D).
• State House and state Senate: every seat in the Georgia General Assembly is up. Your sample ballot shows your district's candidates.
• Three constitutional amendments: a farmland tax break, nonpartisan probate judges, and a 911 fund. (Read our explainer: Georgia's 3 Constitutional Amendments on the Nov. 3 Ballot, Explained in Plain English.)

What about third parties? The Libertarian Party didn't collect enough signatures to get on the ballot this year. Libertarians and other candidates can run as write-ins.

Before you vote

• See your exact ballot: mvp.sos.ga.gov (Georgia's My Voter Page). It shows every race and candidate for your address, plus your polling place.
• Bring a photo ID. A Georgia driver's license works even if it's expired.
• You don't have to vote in every race. Skipping a race doesn't cancel the rest of your ballot.

Columbus Times does not endorse candidates. Candidate positions come from their own statements in debates, interviews and campaign plans.