Mercedes-Benz stadium joining State Farm Arena as early voting site for January runoffs

ATLANTA - Mercedes-Benz Stadium is teaming up with State Farm Arena to create two large early voting sites for Georgia's January runoffs. 

According to Fulton County officials, early voting will take place at State Farm Arena from December 14 until 19. With the NBA season slated to begin on December 22, early voting will transition to Mercedes Benz Stadium.

December 21st will serve as a transition day, and then voters will be allowed to cast ballots from December 22 to 30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 04: A view of an empty Northside Drive out front of Mercedes Benz Stadium on April 4, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

No voting will take place on December 24th or 25th.

The two runoff elections that will ultimately decide which political party controls the U.S. Senate. Republicans Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler face close races with Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock. Republicans need just one of those seats to maintain their majority.

Prior to the June primary, State Farm Arena transformed into a giant early voting site for Fulton County voters.

SEE ALSO: State Farm Arena transforms into Georgia's largest early voting location

Then ahead of the general election in November the arena once again was used as a polling place for early voters, but the number of voting machines was tripled.  

"This partnership is a testament to the commitment of the leadership of our professional sports teams in Fulton County,” said  Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts. “More than 40,000 voters cast their ballots at State Farm Arena...now our residents have a chance to visit another world-class facility right here in our community.”

Officials said other details surrounding voting logistics will be announced in the coming weeks.

RELATED: Georgia runoff key dates

Georgia's Senate runoff election is set for January 5.

“We are thrilled to offer Mercedes-Benz Stadium as an early voting location for the Senate run-off election,” says Steve Cannon, CEO, AMB Sports and Entertainment. “Voter awareness and active participation have long been priorities for our organization, and we are thrilled to be able to offer our support and services to Georgia voters. We are grateful to the Hawks and State Farm Arena in partnering with us and we will ensure that Fulton County voters continue to have the best voting experience possible.

Here are some key dates for Georgians to remember as the runoff races kick-off, according to the Georgia Secretary of State's website:

November 18: Earliest day for a registrar to mail an absentee ballot for the general election runoff

December 7: Voter registration deadline to vote in the federal runoff election

December 14: Advanced in-person or early voting begins for the general election runoff for federal offices

January 5, 2021: Federal runoff election day