Georgia Absentee Ballot Guide

Important deadlines

• Voter registration form: Postmarked by the fifth Monday before the election
• Absentee ballot application: No specific deadline. We recommend requesting your ballot at least one month before the election
• Absentee ballot due: Received by close of polls on Election Day

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

Recommended: Use our Voter Registration Widget. Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail it to the Secretary of State.  The address is on the form.  

Or you can also download a paper version of Georgia's voter registration form.  Mail your completed form to the Secretary of State.  The address is on the form.  

Verify your voter registration

It's best to verify your voter registration before applying for your absentee ballot.  If there's a problem with your registration, register again before proceeding.

NOTE: Most people receive their voter registration cards in the mail 2-3 weeks after registering to vote. Don't worry if you lost or never received it. You don't actually need your voter registration card to vote.

Make sure you're eligible to vote by absentee ballot

Good news! Any registered Georgia voter may vote by absentee ballot by mail.  

Apply for your absentee ballot

Download and complete the Georgia Absentee Ballot Application.  Sign where indicated, and mail, fax, or hand-deliver your completed applicaiton to your County Board of Registrar's office. 

You may apply for an absentee ballot as early as 180 days before an election.  If you are temporarily outside the county or physically disabled, a relative can use the same form to request the ballot for you.  

Receive, complete and return your absentee ballot

Fill out your ballot, sign where indicated, put a stamp on it, and then mail your ballot back to your County Board of Registrar.  Be sure to meet the deadline or your ballot won't be counted!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to provide ID when I register to vote?

First-time Georgia voters who register to vote by mail must show acceptable ID by mailing a copy of your identification with your voter registration application or providing a copy of your ID with your absentee ballot application.  

Acceptable forms of ID include a copy of a current and valid photo ID OR a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and Georgia address. Military and overseas voters are exempt from this requirement.

Do I need to provide ID with my absentee ballot application? 

You do not need to provide ID if you have already voted in Georgia at least once. If you are voting for the first time and did not submit photo ID when you registered to vote, include one of the following forms of ID with your absentee ballot application: a copy of a current and valid photo ID OR a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and Georgia address. Military and overseas voters are exempt from this requirement.

How often do I need to apply for an absentee ballot?

Uou'll need to submit a separate application every time you wish to vote by absentee ballot unless you are in the military, 75 or older, or physically disabled. 

If you are in the military, 75 or older, or physically disabled, you can use one Georgia Absente Ballot Application to request an absentee ballot for the Primary, Primary Runoff (if applicable), Election and Election Runoff (if applicable).  

Can I vote in person before the election?

Yes. Check out our Early Voting page for details.

Additional Information