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Vote by Absentee Ballot

Georgians registered to vote can also do so by absentee ballot.

Absentee ballots are an option for registered voters who may be traveling, outside the country, serving in the military, or otherwise can’t make it to the polls on Election Day.

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How Do I Vote by Absentee Ballot?

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    Make Sure You’re Registered

    To vote via absentee ballot, you must first be registered to vote.

     
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    Fill Out & Submit an Absentee Ballot Application

    To vote by absentee ballot, you must first fill out, sign, and submit an absentee ballot application. You can do this online, by mail, by fax, or in person.

    Submit your absentee ballot application by the specified deadline. Absentee ballots may be requested any time between 180 days prior to the election and the end of the business day on the Friday before Election Day. View a list of upcoming elections and registration deadlines on the Secretary of State’s election calendar.

    • Submit Online

      1. If you request a ballot online, you will need to have your driver's license or state-issued identification ready to reference and a valid email address.

      2. Visit the Secretary of State's online portal for absentee ballot requests.

      3. Follow the portal prompts to request your ballot online. You will need submit your first and last name, date of birth, driver's license or state-issued identification number, county of residence, address, phone number, and email address. For primary elections, you will need to request a Democrat, Republican, or Non-Partisan ballot.

      4. Once you have submitted your information, you should receive a downloadable confirmation and an email confirmation.

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    • Submit by Mail

      1. Download the Download this pdf file. absentee ballot application .

      2. Fill out and sign the application.

      3. Mail the application to your County Board of Registrar’s Office.

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    • Submit by Fax

      1. Download the Download this pdf file. absentee ballot application .

      2. Fill out and sign the application.

      3. Fax the application to your County Board of Registrar’s Office.

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    • Submit in Person

      1. Download the Download this pdf file. absentee ballot application .

      2. Fill out and sign the application.

      3. Present the application in person to your County Board of Registrar’s Office.

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    Vote

    After your county elections office reviews your application, you will receive your ballot at the postal address you noted on your application. If you're a UOCAVA voter who has requested it, you may receive it by electronic transmission. The time frame for receiving your absentee ballot will depend, in part, on the type of election being held. You can read the Secretary of State’s guide to absentee voting for details.

    1. Fill out and sign your absentee ballot according to the instructions provided. You will receive all the forms and envelopes necessary for marking and return of the ballot. Failure to complete your ballot correctly could cause your ballot not to be counted.

    2. Mail your completed ballot. For voters within the country, all absentee ballots must arrive at your county election office by Election Day. You can also drop your absentee ballot off at a drop-off location in your county. Contact your county registrar for available drop-off locations. If you're currently a military or overseas voter and you post your absentee ballot on Election Day, make sure it arrives within 3 days.

     
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    Next Steps

    • Verify that your ballot was accepted by visiting the Georgia My Voter Page. Log in and look for the box labeled Absentee Ballot Request Information to find out more about your absentee ballot status.
    • It’s important to request and return your absentee ballot early. This will give your ballot enough time to travel through the mail and resolve any issues that may arise when voting by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots can be requested up to 180 days in advance of Election Day and must be in the elections office by the time of the closing of the polls on election night.
    • If your ballot was rejected, your county elections office will contact you with a document to “cure” or correct your ballot envelope. Contact your county registrar to get more information and find out what your options are. One of the most common reasons an absentee ballot is rejected is because it has not been properly signed. Be sure to carefully read and follow all instructions included in your absentee ballot.
    • If you do not receive your absentee ballot after submitting your application, contact your county registrar to assess your options. If there is not enough time to receive a new absentee ballot, or if for any reason you cannot have another sent to you, you may vote in person. If you attempt to vote in person because you never received a requested absentee ballot, you will have to sign a document attesting that you are only voting once.
    • If you request and return an absentee ballot, you cannot change your mind and vote in person. Once you return your absentee ballot, you have voted.
     

Related Services

Related Agency

Secretary of State: Office

Visit

214 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334

Contact

Primary:
(404) 656-2817
Press Office:
(470) 312-2733
Fax:
(404) 656-0513
soscontact@sos.ga.gov
Mail to:

2 MLK Jr. Dr. S.E. - Floyd W. Tower
Suite 814
Atlanta, GA 30344

This information was prepared as a public service of the State of Georgia to provide general information, not to advise on any specific legal problem. It is not, and cannot be construed to be, legal advice. If you have questions regarding any matter contained on this page, please contact the related agency.