Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Do you know how to vote in Georgia?

There are multiple ways to cast your ballot in Georgia. Which way is right for you?

Your first option is to vote at your polling place on Election Day. After you registered to vote, you should have been sent a voter registration card, which tells you where your polling place is located. If you have lost your card or do not know where to vote, check your polling location here. At your polling place, you will complete a voter certificate, which asks your name and address. You must present an accepted form of photo identification (see the list of approved IDs below) to the poll officials before casting your ballot.

However, voters are expected to turn out in record numbers in Georgia on Election Day, so we recommend that you vote early or in advance. Early voting allows you to cast your ballot in person, weekdays from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Early voting began Monday, September 22, and ends Friday, October 24. Advance voting allows any registered voter to cast a ballot in person Monday through Friday of the week prior to the election. This year, advance voting will be held October 27-31. You will need to bring a photo identification to vote early or in advance (see list below for approved IDs). To check your early and advance voting locations, please click here.

Note: you cannot vote on the Monday right before the Tuesday election.


What are Georgia voter identification requirements?

Georgia law requires that you bring a photo ID when you vote in person. Bring one of these six forms of identification to vote:
1. a Georgia driver's license, even if expired
2. A valid state or federal government-issued photo ID, including one issued by the Dept. of Driver Services or your county registrar's office
3. a valid U.S. passport
4. a valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state
5. a valid U.S. military photo ID
6. a valid tribal photo ID


Can I look at the ballot before I go to vote?

Yes! You can request a sample ballot from your county Board of Elections office. Sample ballots contain important information, so it will not be unfamiliar to you when you go to vote. Save time on Election Day by reviewing your sample ballot to research candidates and resolutions, and mark your choices before going to your polling place.


What if I need assistance at the polling place?

A voter may receive assistance at the polls if they are unable to read the English language or have a physical disability that renders them unable to see or mark the ballot, operate voting equipment, or enter the voting booth. If you need assistance, please contact your county registrar's office.


Who can I contact with further questions about voting in Georgia?

GA Secretary of State, Elections Division
404-656-2871
404-656-1787 (for hearing- or speech-impaired)
888-265-1115 (toll-free)
website

League of Women Voters (Atlanta)
404-577-8683
website

Note: If you would like to contact your county Board of Elections office and do not know how to reach them, please contact the Atlanta 9to5 office at 404-222-0037 and we will give you this information.


Who should I vote for?

9to5 is a non-partisan organization and we do not endorse any candidate for political office. We recommend that you visit one or more of the following websites for non-partisan information about the candidates, or you can download the 9to5 Election Connection Voter Guide here.

Project Vote Smart
Declare Yourself
League of Women Voters
Vote Gopher


Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th. Make sure to vote as soon as possible! Call the Atlanta 9to5 office at 404-222-0037 if you have any more questions about voting.

No comments: