Georgia is a no-excuse absentee voting state for all registered voters, which means every eligible voter can vote-by-mail. The Georgia Secretary of State is no longer proactively sending out applications to vote by mail. If you would like to vote absentee, you must request an absentee ballot application.

Under new law, voters now must request an application to vote by mail between March 7 to May 13, 2022. Request an absentee ballot via application to vote by mail.

What are the new changes when it comes to applying to vote by mail?

Under the new voting law passed, the timeframe to apply for, to receive, and to submit your absentee ballot have been shortened.

• The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is May 13.
• Voters are now required to submit a “wet signature,” which means voters must print out the application, sign with a pen and ink, and mail, fax, or e-mail the signed document back to your local election registrar.
• When applying to vote by mail, voters will be required to enter either driver’s license number or state ID number. If you do not have a Driver’s License or State ID, you must now make a copy of an acceptable form of identification and send it back in with your application.

Acceptable forms include:

• U.S Passport, military ID (must contain photo), voter ID card, other valid photo identification issued by a branch, department, agency, or entity of the State of Georgia, any other state, or the United States authorized by law to issue personal identification, tribal identification card (must contain photo), student ID from Georgia public College or University.
• Current utility bill, bank statement, government-issued check that includes name and address of voter.

When will I receive my absentee ballot?

Under the new law, the earliest ballots will be put in the mail for absentee voters is April 25, 2022.

Can I still use a secure dropbox to submit my absentee ballot?

Under the new law, secure dropboxes will only be available indoors at voting precincts during the early voting period.

• Dropboxes are no longer allowed outside, and they are no longer available 24/7.
• Dropboxes are only available during the early voting period, beginning May 2, 2022. The last day to use a secure dropbox will be Friday, May 20, 2022 prior to the closing of polls.
• There will only be one dropbox available for every 100,000 registered voters in your county. For some counties, that means only one dropbox will be available for voters.
• You may only submit your ballot to the dropbox in the county in which you reside. Example: If you live in Fulton County, your ballot must be dropped in a secure dropbox in Fulton County.

Who can drop off my absentee ballot? 

Georgia law still allows limited assistance when it comes to dropping off an absentee ballot. The following individuals can drop off a ballot on behalf of a voter:

• Mother, father, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, spouse, son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law (you are not required to reside in the same household).
• Another individual residing in the same household as the voter. Example: your roommate can drop off your ballot, even if you do not have a familial relationship.
• The caretaker of a voter with disabilities

What if my absentee ballot does not arrive in the mail? 

If your ballot does not arrive on time, you can show up in person and vote early in-person or at your voting precinct on Election Day. You will be required to sign an affidavit to cancel your request to vote-by-mail.

Can I still mail my absentee ballot using the United States Postal Service?

You may still mail your absentee ballot, but please mail your ballot early as possible. Your ballot must arrive by 7 PM on Election Day. Voters are required to provide postage, and the recommendation is to use two 55 cent stamps, out of an abundance of caution.

If you have any issues, please call the Democratic Party Voter Protection hotline: 1-888-730-5816.

In-person voting will take place on May 24, 2022 on Election Day. Polls are open from 7 AM to 7PM. If you are in line by 7 PM, you can stay in line until you are able to vote. Under new Georgia law, you must vote in your assigned precinct on Election Day. If you are in the wrong polling precinct, but you are in the correct county, you will no longer be able to vote by provisional ballot unless you arrive after 5 PM.

Acceptable forms of voter identification for in-person voting 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
• A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired
• Student ID from a Georgia public College or University
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or nay county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of the Georgia
• Valid U.S. passport ID
• Valid U.S. Military ID containing photo
• Valid Tribal ID containing photo

If you forget to bring a valid photo ID, you are entitled to vote by a paper provisional ballot. If you vote by provisional ballot, you must send proof of an acceptable form of ID to your local registrar.

Persons with limited English proficiency and disabilities are entitled to assistance at the poll under the law.

Please remember you cannot accept any food or water while waiting in line. If your polling precinct has a self-service table with water within 150 feet of the building and within 25 feet of a voter waiting in line, you may pick-up your own water.

If you have any issues, please call the Democratic Party Voter Protection hotline: 1-888-730-5816.