The white primary was a tactic used by the Democratic Party, mainly because the Democratic party was the only party seeking public office.  It was used to prohibit blacks or African Americans from voting. 

In 1946, the case King vs Chapman ruled in favor of African Americans and the white primary was ended, allowing everyone to have a voice in the voting process 

Talk about crazy times!! The 1946 Governor's Race was just that.  It can get confusing so let's break it down:

The players:

• Eugene Talmadge - Running for another term as Governor - old and very sickly - actually won the 1946 Governor's race but died before taking office

• Ellis Arnall - Current Governor 

• Melvin Thompson - Won the Lt. Governor's race 

• Herman Talmadge - Eugene's son - since Eugene was so sick a lot of supporters wrote in Herman's name 

After Eugene died,  the General Assembly stepped in and said that the person with the highest number of write in votes won. Winner winner - Herman Talmadge. 

Current Governor, Ellis Arnall did not agree so he stepped down so that newly elected Lt. Governor Melvin Thompson could step in. 

Melvin Thompson and Herman Talmadge fought it out over this. Eventually, the Georgia Supreme Court stepped in and said that the General Assembly overstepped its boundaries and said Melvin Thompson was the Governor. 

In 1948, a special election was held. Herman Talmadge was elected Governor.