How to Turn “I’ll Vote” into “I Voted”

Written By Deirdre Walsh

Early? Election day? By mail? Pick your path. Make your plan. 

Life gets busy. Work runs late. The kids need a ride. Suddenly it’s 6:45 on Election Day.

The easiest way to make sure you vote? Decide how, when, and where to vote before Nov 3. 

Here are five steps to make your voting plan

1: Decide how you’ll cast your ballot 

You have options. Pick the one that best fits your life. 

Early voting: Oct 13-30. You can vote at any early voting location in your county. More days, more flexibility. 

Election Day: Tuesday, Nov 3 from 7AM to 7PM. Polls are open statewide. Your county determines where you vote.  

Vote by mail: The deadline for applying for an absentee ballot is Oct 23. It is recommended to apply much earlier. Counties begin mailing ballots on Oct 5.  

There are four stages: Apply, Receive, Fill out, Return. (Visit Vote by Mail: Step by Step for more details) 

  • Apply online (before Oct 23)  

  • Apply in person at your County Board of Registrars’ office 

  • Receive your ballot. Counties begin mailing ballots on Oct 5. If you haven’t received your ballot within a week or two, go to My Voter Page or contact your county registrar. 

  • Fill out your ballot. A missing signature is the most common reason ballots are rejected. *Do not skip the oath on the outer envelope. 

  • Return your ballot (as early as you can). 

  • Mail it back. Add postage and return it well ahead of Election Day. 

  • Drop box. Available inside early voting locations, during early voting hours only (Oct 13-30). 

  • Hand-deliver to your County Board of Registrars’ office by 7PM on Nov 3. *A postmark does not count. Your ballot must be physically received by 7PM on Nov 3. If mailing it back, send it at least 1-2 weeks early to be safe. 

2: Pick the day and Time

Put the day, location, and time on your calendar — like any other commitment.  

Look up your polling location and hours, since they vary by county. Think through the details. How will you get there? Do you need childcare or time off work? A quick plan now saves you from scrambling later.

3: Grab your ID (or ID number) 

You’ll need to show a valid photo ID or voter identification card to vote. The following are valid forms of ID to vote in Georgia:  

  • Any state or federal government-issued ID, including a free ID card issued by your county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) 

  • 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 any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of the state 

  • Valid U.S. passport 

  • Valid U.S. military photo ID containing a photograph of the voter 

  • Valid tribal photo ID containing a photograph of the voter 

4: Research Your Ballot

Registered voters can view their sample ballots ahead of the midterms. They typically include a mock-up of the actual ballot, a list of candidates and ballot measures, the date of the election, and instructions for voting.

Use the ballot to prepare so you’ll feel more confident about participating in the midterms:

  • Learn more about which offices are being decided 

  • Look for local races and propositions 

  • Research the candidates and issues 

5: Know what to expect at the polls

On Election Day, you must vote at your designated polling place. You can find your polling location on your voter registration card, by logging into the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page or by contacting your County Board of Registrar’s Office.  

  • Polling places are open on Election Day from 7AM to 7PM. If you are in line by 7PM, you are allowed to cast your ballot.

  • You’ll need a government-issued photo ID to verify your identity.

  • Request voter assistance if you need it. Contact your County Board of Registrar’s Office to request help voting or accessing your polling place.

  • If you show up to your polling place and your name is not on the voting list, or if you forgot your ID, you have the right to request a provisional ballot. Your vote will count if you resolve the eligibility issues within three days after Election Day. 

  • If you encounter a problem at the polls, please contact your County Board of Registrar’s Office or the Georgia Secretary of State. Call the Secretary of State at 404-656-2871 (in metro Atlanta) or 877-725-9797 (elsewhere in Georgia) to report an issue. You can also submit a complaint online to the Secretary of State Elections Division.

  • If you chose to vote by absentee ballot, your completed and signed absentee ballot must be received by your county registrar by the time polls close at 7PM on Election Day.

  • Voters with disabilities can contact the Secretary of State for questions about accessibility and related concerns.  

Forward this to your community

Once you’ve made your plan, help someone else make theirs. 

Want more ready-to-use emails, graphics, and voter info? Access our free, nonpartisan midterm election toolkit. 

Access the Midterm Toolkit

Midterms Matter is nonpartisan. We don’t support or oppose any candidate, party, or political position. 

Deirdre Walsh
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How to Check Your Voter Registration