Your vote is your voice. Whether you’re voting for the first time or just need a refresher, this page has everything you need to participate in Georgia elections.
What you’ll find on this page:
2026 Election Dates
How to Register to Vote
Ways to Vote
What to Bring
Your Rights as a Voter
Helpful Links
2026 election dates
Mark your calendar. These are the deadlines that matter.
General Election — November 3
General Primary Election — May 19
Voter Registration Deadline: October 5
Early Voting: October 13 through October 30
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: October 23
Election Day: November 3
Voter Registration Deadline: April 20
Early Voting: April 27 through May 15
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: May 8
Election Day: May 19
Registration must be completed at least 29 days before any election. If you recently moved, update your address at mvp.sos.ga.gov. Your polling location may have changed.
register to vote
To vote in Georgia, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Georgia and the county where you wish to vote, and at least 18 years old on Election Day.
How to register:
Online (fastest): Visit registertovote.sos.ga.gov. You’ll need a Georgia Driver’s License or State ID.
By paper: Pick up a form at your local library, post office, or county elections office.
Automatic registration: You may be automatically registered when you apply for or renew a Georgia driver’s license.
Registration deadline: At least 29 days before any election.
Already registered? Confirm your status and find your polling place at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
Check your registration even if you’ve voted before. Georgia voters can be removed from the rolls for several reasons, including change of residence, felony conviction, or inactivity. If a voter doesn’t vote or update their registration for several years, they are moved to “inactive” status. If they remain inactive through two or more general elections, they are removed entirely. Checking your registration before every election — especially if you haven’t voted recently or have moved — takes less than a minute and prevents surprises on Election Day.
Ways to Vote in Georgia
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DescriptioEarly voting lets you cast your ballot before Election Day at any early voting location in your county — no excuse needed. Locations may include recreation centers, libraries, and other public facilities.
Your county chooses its early voting sites and hours. Locations can change between elections. Always verify your county’s current locations before you go.
Find early voting locations: mvp.sos.ga.gov
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Any registered Georgia voter can request an absentee ballot — no reason required. You do not need to be sick, elderly, or out of town. Georgia has “no excuse” absentee voting, which means every registered voter qualifies.
How it works:
Request your ballot online at mvp.sos.ga.gov or by submitting a paper application to your county elections office.
Your ballot will be mailed to you.
Complete and return it before the deadline.
IMPORTANT — The “Received” Rule: In Georgia, your ballot must be physically RECEIVED by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Mailing it on Election Day is not enough. The U.S. Postal Service no longer guarantees same-day postmarks.
Follow the One-Week Rule: If it is less than 7 days before the election, use a ballot drop box or deliver your ballot directly to your county elections office instead of the mail.
Mailing timeline:
14+ days out: Safe to mail
7 days out: Last safe day to use mail
4 days out: Use a drop box instead
Election Day: Deliver directly to the county elections office
Important note about drop boxes: Ballot drop boxes are not standalone kiosks. They are located inside early voting locations and at the county elections office. They are only accessible during early voting hours, not 24/7. Always check your county’s drop box locations and hours before making the trip.
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Vote at your assigned polling location on Election Day. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Find your assigned polling place at mvp.sos.ga.gov. Enter your name, county, and date of birth.
The 7 p.m. Rule: If you are in line by 7:00 p.m., you have the legal right to vote. Stay in line.
Photo ID is required to vote in person in Georgia. Acceptable forms include:
Georgia Driver’s License or State ID
U.S. Passport
Military ID
Georgia Voter ID card (free — available at your county Election Office)
What to Bring
Your rights at the polls:
If you are in line at 7:00 p.m. when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Stay in line.
Voters who are 75 or older, disabled, or require assistance are permitted to move to the front of the line.
Voters with disabilities or who cannot read English may bring someone to assist them.
If your registration cannot be verified at the polls, request a provisional ballot. Do not leave without voting.
Provisional ballot — critical deadline: A provisional ballot will only be counted if you bring valid ID to your county elections office within 3 days of the election. If you cast a provisional ballot, put that deadline on your calendar immediately.
Know Your Rights
My Voter Page (MVP)
The official Georgia Secretary of State portal. Use it to check your voter registration status, find your polling location, view your sample ballot, track your absentee ballot, and find early voting sites.
Georgia Online Voter Registration
Register to vote or update your address online.
You can also contact your county Election Office.
Helpful Links
This voting information is provided as a nonpartisan public resource. It does not endorse or oppose any candidate, party, or ballot measure. For the most current information, always verify dates and locations with your county Election Office or at mvp.sos.ga.gov.