Georgia Voter Registration: Everything You Need To Know To Register And Vote

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Your vote matters, and making sure your voter registration Georgia status is current is the first step toward using it. Whether you’re a first-time voter, a new Georgia resident, or someone who recently moved or changed your name, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to get registered and ready.

Who Can Register To Vote In Georgia?

Before you register, make sure you meet Georgia’s eligibility requirements. You must:

• Be a United States citizen
• Be a legal resident of Georgia and the county where you’re registering
• Be at least 18 years old to vote (though you can register if you’ll turn 18 within six months of registration)
• Not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction involving moral turpitude 
• Not have been judicially determined to be mentally incompetent

If you’ve been convicted of a felony and are unsure about your eligibility, visit RestoreYourVote.org to find out where you stand.

3 Ways To Register To Vote In Georgia

Georgia makes it easy to register using whichever method works best for you.

Register Online

The fastest and most convenient option is to register through the Georgia Secretary of State’s online voter registration system at sos.ga.gov. You’ll need either your Georgia driver’s license or state ID number to complete the form.

Register By Mail

Download Georgia’s state registration form, fill it out, and mail it to the Secretary of State’s office. After you register, the Secretary of State will send your precinct card to your county, which will then mail it to you. Your precinct card tells you where to go on Election Day, but you don’t need to bring it with you to vote.

Register In Person

You can register in person at your state or local election office, your state motor vehicles office, and at many government public assistance offices. 

What Are The Voter Registration Deadlines In Georgia?

Don’t wait until the last minute. You must be registered at least 30 days before an election to vote in it. Here’s a breakdown of the deadlines by registration method:

• Online: The fifth Monday before Election Day, usually 29 days before
• By mail: Postmarked by the fifth Monday before Election Day, usually 29 days before 
• In person: 29 days before Election Day 

Check the Georgia Secretary of State’s election calendar regularly to stay on top of upcoming deadlines.

What Documents Do You Need?

Georgia’s voter registration form asks for your Georgia driver’s license or ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don’t have a driver’s license or state ID, Georgia offers a free Voter ID Card through your county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

What ID Do You Need To Bring To The Polls?

When you show up to vote, you must bring a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include:

• Any valid state or federal-issued photo ID, a valid U.S. passport, a valid employee photo ID from a government entity, a valid U.S. military photo ID, or a valid tribal ID card
• Student ID cards from certain Georgia public and technical institutions. Check the Secretary of State’s website to see if your school’s ID qualifies

How To Check Your Voter Registration Status

Already registered but want to confirm your information is current? Check your voter registration status and find voter ID requirements on the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov.

If you’ve recently moved or changed your name, update your registration right away. The easiest way to update your information is by submitting a new registration application. The county registrar will review your current registration and update it with the information from your new application.

Other Ways To Vote In Georgia

Once you’re registered, you have flexible options for casting your ballot.

Early voting: Any registered voter may vote early in person between the fourth Monday before Election Day and the Friday immediately prior to Election Day.

Absentee voting: Any registered Georgia voter can apply for an absentee ballot online, by mail, email, fax, or in person at their county registrar’s office. Absentee ballot applications must be received by your county clerk by the 11th day before Election Day.

Election Day voting: Polling stations open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. If you’re in line before 7 p.m., you have the right to vote.

Voter registration deadlines in Georgia come up faster than you think. Take five minutes right now to register online at sos.ga.gov, confirm your existing registration on the My Voter Page, or pick up a paper form at your county election office. Every election shapes the issues that affect your community, so make sure your voice is part of it.