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Georgia early voting sign outside a polling location. (Credit: Nava Rawls)
Key Points
- Early voting ends Friday, Nov. 1
- Georgia law allows workers two hours to vote
- Five helpful voting resources
- The general election is 8 days away
The 2024 general election is eight days away. Here’s what you need to know to vote in the Nov. 5 general election.
1. I plan to vote in person. Do I need identification?
You’ll need a valid driver’s license, U.S. passport, military identification, tribal ID or state ID. If you don’t have any of those forms of identification, you can get a free voter ID card from the county registrar’s office or at any branch of the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Find out specifics here.
College students attending state universities can use their student IDs. However, Georgia law will not allow students who attend private colleges and universities to use their student IDs.
2. Where do I vote?
Find out where to vote and what impact, if any, recent redistricting has had on where you vote here. The site gives information on your precinct location, early voting locations and more.
3. Can I still vote early?
Yes. You have until Friday, Nov. 1, to vote early.
4. Who’s running for office?
In addition to the presidential and congressional races, all state Senate and House seats are up for reelection. Many are running unopposed. Several local races are in play. Check your local election office for details.
5. What are the state ballot measures all about?
Want a sneak peek of the referendums that may appear on your ballot? Find them here. And read State Affairs’ recent article here.
6. Can I take time off from work to vote?
Yes, you can. Under state law, employers must give you two hours off to vote, but you must give your company reasonable advance notice for that time off. You don’t have to give written notice.Your employer has the right to determine the specific hours for the leave and is not required to pay for the time off. Your employer also doesn’t have to give time off if your work hours start at least two hours after the polls open or end at least two hours before the polls close. An employer who refuses to grant workers time off to vote may face fines of $100 to over $1,000, as well as jail time of up to six months.
7. What do I do if I suspect voter fraud or illegal voting activity, experience voter intimidation or have other voting concerns?
The Georgia Attorney General’s Office has an Election Fraud Complaint hotline. It’s 404-651-8600, or you can fill out an online form found on the same page to lodge a complaint. You can also notify the Secretary of State’s Office here.
Do’s and don’ts of voting in Georgia
Keep in mind these rules from Georgia’s Election Integrity Act of 2021:
- No campaigning within 150 feet of the polls.
- You are not permitted to provide food or drinks to voters standing in line.
- If you’ve been convicted of a felony, you’re not eligible to vote until you’ve completed your sentence, including probation, parole or payment of fines owed.
- Be mindful of what you wear to the polls. You could be turned away for any attire deemed politically provocative. However, if you wear a “Black Lives Matter” or “White Lives Matter” shirt to the polls, you won’t be turned away.
5 key voting resources at your disposal
- Office of the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page
- Vote411
- Go Vote Georgia
- Office of the Attorney General’s Election Fraud Complaint Hotline
- In addition to finding election results on the secretary of state’s website, you can find them on Georgia Votes
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Have questions, comments or tips? Contact Tammy Joyner on X @lvjoyner or at [email protected].
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