How to vote in Georgia

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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Registration Summary

Georgia offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Georgia by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Voting Summary

Georgia allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Georgia offers early voting.

Registration Top Actions

Voting Top Actions

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Can I register to vote online?

  • Georgia offers online voter registration.
  • To register online in Georgia, you are required to provide your valid Georgia driver’s license number or your ID card number issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). If you don’t have a Georgia driver’s license or ID card issued by DDS, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

How can I check the status of my mail ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Georgia’s website.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: Federal law requires you to provide your full Georgia driver's license number or Georgia-issued ID number. If you do not have a Georgia driver's license or Georgia ID you must provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Providing your full Social Security number is optional. Your Social Security number will be kept confidential and may be used for comparison with other state agency databases for voter registration identification purposes. If you do not possess a Georgia driver's license or Social Security number, a unique identifier will be provided for you.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Georgia partisan primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: You are requested, but not required, to fill in this box.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office.
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing your registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: current and valid photo identification or current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.

How do election officials keep voting secure?

Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.

Visit the Georgia Secretary of State, Elections Division website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Georgia's voter registration lookup tool.
Watch this video about how to check your registration status from the Georgia Secretary of State, Elections Division.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Georgia you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • be a legal resident of Georgia and of the county in which you want to vote
  • be at least 17.5 years old (you must be 18 to vote)
  • not be serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude
  • not have been judicially determined to be mentally incompetent, unless the disability has been removed

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Georgia does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in Georgia before you turn 18 if you:
  • are at least 17.5 years old
  • are a United States citizen
  • are a legal resident of Georgia and the county where you seek to register
  • are not serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude
  • have not been found mentally incompetent by a judge

You must be at least 18 years old to vote.

Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register online on the Georgia Secretary of State, Elections Division website.
To register using the Georgia online voter registration system, you are required to provide an identification (ID) number from ONE of the following:
  • valid Georgia driver’s license
  • ID card issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)

If you don’t have a Georgia driver’s license or ID card issued by DDS, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in Georgia, you are required to provide ONE of the following:
  • Georgia driver’s license number
  • Georgia state-issued ID number
  • last four digits of your Social Security number

If you have not been issued any of these numbers, check the box that indicates you do not have an ID number.

You are also required to provide a copy of proof of residence if you are registering for the first time and submitting your application by mail. Acceptable forms of proof of residence include:
  • current and valid photo ID
  • utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address

Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?

You can complete a voter registration application in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office while applying for a driver license or identification card or changing your address with the DDS.

You can obtain a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Georgia:
  • Department of Driver Services office when applying for or renewing your driver’s license or ID card
  • county board of registrars or election office
  • public library

You can find a list of locations that provide voter registration applications on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.

How do I vote in person?

Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can look up where to vote on Georgia's site.

Can I vote early?

  • Yes, Georgia offers early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to show photo ID to vote in Georgia.

Acceptable forms include:
  • any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free ID card issued by your county registrar's office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
  • Georgia driver's license, even if expired
  • valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the US Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of the state
  • valid US passport ID
  • valid US military photo ID containing your photograph
  • student photo ID card issued by a Georgia public college, university, or technical school
  • valid tribal photo ID containing your photograph

Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. You will need to provide a copy of your ID within three days after the election to your County Board of Elections and Registration. As long as you do so, your provisional ballot will be counted, as long as you are otherwise eligible to vote.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Georgia’s site.
Watch this video about voting in person from the Georgia Secretary of State, Elections Division.

Can I vote early?

Yes, Georgia offers early voting.
  • You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

      What do I need to bring?

      You will need to show photo ID to vote in Georgia.

      Acceptable forms include:
      • any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free ID card issued by your county registrar's office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
      • Georgia driver's license, even if expired
      • valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the US Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of the state
      • valid US passport ID
      • valid US military photo ID containing your photograph
      • student photo ID card issued by a Georgia public college, university, or technical school
      • valid tribal photo ID containing your photograph

      Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. You will need to provide a copy of your ID within three days after the election to your County Board of Elections and Registration. As long as you do so, your provisional ballot will be counted, as long as you are otherwise eligible to vote.

      How do I vote by mail?

      In Georgia, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Request a mail ballot online using the Georgia Absentee Ballot Application system. You can also fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.

      What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?

      If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.

      How do I return my ballot?

      What do I need to do if I’ve moved?

      What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
      Watch this video about voting by mail from the Georgia Secretary of State, Elections Division.

      How do I see what's on my ballot?

      View your sample ballot on the Georgia Secretary of State, Elections Division's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

      How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

      Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
      1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
      2. Send the application to your local election office.
      3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
      4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
      5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
      If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then:
      • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
      • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
      The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Georgia. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

      Which election office should I contact?

      • In Georgia, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
      • The Secretary of State, Elections Division oversees elections and election administration in Georgia. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

      How do I contact my local election office?

      Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.