Georgia voter guide: Registration, early voting, and polling places

There are now just 3 days till early voting begins in Georgia, and 24 days till Election Day, which takes place on November 5. In Georgia, just like in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, there are certain restrictions and requirements for voting. With just under a month to go, there are a number of ways Georgia voters can prepare themselves for the big day: registering to vote, making sure you are registered to vote in your county, early voting, and knowing where your designated polling place is. 

The Atlanta Voice wanted to put together an easy-to-follow voting guide for Georgians. Here are some important dates and requirements that voters need to know before they go.

The last day to register to vote in Georgia was on Monday, Oct. 7. To learn if you’re registered to vote, Georgians can visit vote.gov/register/Georgia . A quick visit to the site will offer the opportunity to not only check your registration but register to vote if needed. The final day to register to vote by mail is also today.

 There are different registration dates depending on the election taking place. The Georgia Office of Secretary of State lists the different dates.

A national voter registration form is also available online in both English and Spanish.

When can you vote early?

For everyone ready to vote right now, you’re going to have to wait a bit longer. Early voting in Georgia begins on Tuesday, Oct. 15. The last day to request an absentee ballot is 10 days later on Friday, Oct. 25. 

Where can I vote?

There are designated polling places depending on which county you are registered to vote in. All registered voters have received voter registration cards and the designated polling place is on that card. If you don’t have your card, no problem. You can find out what your designated polling place is on the Office of the Secretary of State’s website or at the County Board of Registrar’s Office website.

What will I need to vote?

If you are registered to vote and are at your designated polling place then all you will need is a valid piece of photo identification. A list of valid pieces of identification is available on the Georgia Office of the Secretary of State website and include valid drivers licenses, Georgia public college or university identification cards, a valid United States passport, and a U.S. military identification card.