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Georgia early voting sign outside a polling location. (Credit: Nava Rawls)
Key Points
- Things to know before voting Nov. 5
- 5 helpful voting resources
- Do's and don'ts of voting in Georgia
- Important dates to remember
The 2024 general election is right around the corner — 82 days, to be exact. Here are 10 things you need to know to be ready for the Nov. 5 election.
- Who can vote?
In order to vote, you must be:
- A United States citizen
- A legal resident of the county where you live
- At least 18 years old (at least 17 ½ years old to register)
- Not serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude
- Not found mentally incompetent by a judge
- Determine whether you’re already registered
If you missed or didn’t vote in the presidential primary in March or the May primaries, you likely haven’t voted in a while. Do you even know if you’re a registered voter?
Check your voter registration status and find voter identification requirements on the secretary of state’s My Voter Page here. If you are registered, you can make changes by submitting a new application.
Register to vote online here.
Download a voter registration application here.
You can register to vote at your local Georgia Department of Driver Services office when you apply for or renew your driver’s license.
- How to get an absentee ballot
Request an absentee ballot here. You can submit your absentee ballot online, by email, by mail, by fax or in person. Absentee ballots can be requested anytime between 78 and 11 calendar days before Election Day.
If you decide to vote by mail, be aware that the mail delivery system in Georgia has been unpredictable and fraught with delays in recent months, so plan accordingly.
- If you vote in person, bring your ID
Be sure to bring 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.
- Know where to 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.
- What to do if you 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.
- 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.
- Are you aware of the state referendum questions on the ballot?
Want a sneak peek of the referendums that may appear on your ballot? Find them 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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