Download a printer-friendly PDF
Here's what you need to know if you're voting in Georgia in 2012:
VOTING IN GEORGIA
Do I need ID to vote?
Yes. Georgia law requires you to show photo identification when voting in person. You are not required to provide identification when you vote absentee by mail.
The following are acceptable forms of identification for voting:
- Any valid state or federal government-issued photo ID, including a free voter ID card issued by your county registrar's office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
- A Georgia driver's license, even if expired;
- A valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency or entity of the U.S. government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of Georgia;
- A valid U.S. passport ID;
- A valid U.S. military photo ID; or
- A valid tribal photo ID.
Can I get a free ID?
Yes. If you do not have one of the six acceptable forms of photo ID, the State of Georgia offers a free voter identification card. An identification card can be issued at any county registrar's office or Department of Driver Services Office.
Where do I vote?
After your county receives your voter registration form, you will receive a precinct card in the mail that will state the location of your polling place and your local, state and federal districts. If you do not receive your precinct card within 30 days, contact the board of registrar's office in your county or check the Secretary of State My Voter Page at: www.sos.ga.gov/MVP.
VOTER REGISTRATION
What is the deadline to register?
The deadline to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 9, 2012.
Do I need ID to register?
Yes. Federal law requires you to provide your full Georgia driver's license number or Georgia-issued ID number on your voter registration form. If you do not have a Georgia driver's license or Georgia ID, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not possess a Georgia driver's license or Social Security number, please check the appropriate box and a unique identifier will be provided for you.
If you are submitting your voter registration form by mail and you are registering for the first time in Georgia, enclose a copy of one of the following with your application:
- A copy of a current and valid photo ID;
- A copy of a current utility bill;
- A bank statement;
- A government check;
- A paycheck; or
- Another government document that shows your name and address.
Note: Those who are entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniform and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act are exempt from this requirement.
VOTING ABSENTEE
Who can vote absentee by mail?
Any voter registered in Georgia can vote absentee by mail. Just complete the application and then mail, fax, e-mail (as an attachment) or drop the application off at your county registrar's office. The registrar urges you to request your mail-in ballot and get it back to your county registrar's office as soon as possible.
Mail-in ballots can be requested no earlier than 180 days prior to the election and must be received by your county registrar no later than close of the polls on Election Day.
There are special provisions for Georgia military and overseas voters that can be found at: http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/Uocava/
Who can vote absentee in person?
Any voter registered in Georgia may vote absentee in person. Beginning on the fourth Monday prior to Election Day, simply visit your county's or municipality's early voting site, fill out the application and present one of the permitted forms of photo ID.
As Election Day approaches, your county may have multiple early voting sites and even extended hours. Voting times and locations for your precinct can be found at: www.sos.ga.gov/MVP.
Some counties offer ballot delivery for registered voters who are hospitalized. Contact your country registrar at least five days prior to the election for information regarding this option.
Where do I get an absentee ballot application?
You can download an application for an absentee ballot online at http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/VRinfo.htm or call your local county board of registrar's office for more information.
When are absentee ballots due?
Absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
For more information on voting, call the Georgia Secretary of State Elections Division at 404-656-2871 or go to www.sos.ga.gov/MVP.