Vote by mail
How to Vote
by Mail in
Georgia.
Your complete guide to the Georgia absentee ballot process for the primary runoff.
Any registered Georgia voter can request an absentee ballot with no excuse required. This guide walks you through every step, from requesting your ballot to making sure it counts. The application deadline is June 5. Don't wait.
Any registered Georgia voter.
Unlike some states, Georgia does not require a reason to vote by mail. Any registered Georgia voter can request an absentee ballot for any election. You simply need to submit an application before the deadline.
Four steps to vote by mail.
The process has four stages: applying, receiving your ballot, filling it out correctly, and returning it. Each has its own requirements. Here is what to know.
Deadline: June 5. You must submit an application before a ballot will be mailed to you. You cannot simply show up and vote by mail on Election Day.
You can request an absentee ballot by:
- Online at securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov
- Print and mail, fax, or email the official application (form APP-25), available at sos.ga.gov
- In person at your County Board of Registrar's Office
When completing your application, you will need to provide:
- Your name, date of birth, address as registered, and the address where you want your ballot mailed
- Your phone number or email address so your county can reach you if there is a problem
- Your Georgia driver's license or State ID number. If you don't have one, include a copy of an acceptable alternative ID or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing your name and address
- Your party choice: Democratic, Republican, or Nonpartisan. If you voted in the May 19 primary, you must select the same party for the runoff. If you did not vote in the primary, you may choose either party.
After your county registrar's office processes your application, your ballot will be mailed to the address you provided. The sooner you apply, the sooner it arrives.
If you have not received your ballot within 7 to 10 days of applying, check your ballot status by logging into My Voter Page and looking for the "Absentee Ballot Request Information" section. Contact your county registrar's office if you need further help.
Your ballot package will include the ballot itself and two envelopes. Follow these steps carefully.
- Mark your ballot using an ink pen. Fill in the ovals completely. Do not use checkmarks or X's.
- Seal your ballot in the inner envelope labeled "Official Absentee Ballot."
- Complete the outer return envelope. Use an ink pen to sign the oath in your usual signature, print your name, enter your date of birth, and provide your Georgia Driver's License or State ID number. If you do not have one, enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Place the sealed inner envelope inside the outer envelope before sealing it.
Return your ballot as early as possible. You have three options:
- Mail it back. Add postage and send it as early as possible.
- Drop box. Drop boxes are available at early voting locations, indoors only, during early voting hours (June 8 to 12).
- Hand deliver to your County Board of Registrar's Office by 7 PM on June 16.
If something goes wrong.
Applied but haven't gotten your ballot? Got a rejection notice? Here is what to do. Voters have more options than they realize.
Before assuming the worst, visit mvp.sos.ga.gov and look for the "Absentee Ballot Portal" section. You can see whether your application or ballot has been flagged and sign up for real-time notifications by text, phone call, or email.
If there is a problem with your ballot, your county elections office will contact you with a document to correct your ballot envelope. You have until 3 days after Election Day (June 19) to fix it. Do not ignore a notice from your county. The correction window is short.
The most common reason ballots are rejected is a missing signature on the outer oath envelope. Check that you completed every field before returning your ballot.
Yes. If your mail ballot never showed up, you can still vote in person during early voting (June 8 to 12) or on Election Day (June 16). If your absentee ballot has not been received and accepted by the elections office, you are eligible to vote in person on a regular ballot.
If you have the unvoted mail ballot in hand, bring it with you. Surrendering it at the polls will allow you to cast a regular ballot. If you do not have it, you may vote by provisional ballot.
Good to know.
A few things that come up often about the absentee ballot process in Georgia.
Do I have to apply every election?
For most Georgia voters, yes. You need to submit a new application for each election you want to vote by mail. Georgia will not automatically send you one.
There is one exception. If you are 65 or older, have a physical disability, are an active duty military member or dependent, or are temporarily living overseas, you can opt in to automatically receive your ballot for every election in the 2026 cycle. Just check the opt-in box in Section 12 the first time you fill out your application.
How will I know if my ballot was accepted?
Log in to My Voter Page and look for the section labeled "Absentee Ballot Request Information." You can also subscribe to real-time notifications. Once logged in, scroll to the "Absentee Ballot Portal" section and select "Subscribe to notifications about the status of my ballot." You can choose updates by text, phone call, or email.
Which party's runoff ballot do I receive?
When you fill out your absentee ballot application, you will indicate which party's ballot you want: Democratic, Republican, or Nonpartisan. If you voted in the May 19 primary, Georgia law requires you to select the same party for the runoff. If you did not vote in the primary, you may choose either party.
Can I change my mind and vote in person instead?
Yes. If you requested a mail ballot but decide to vote in person, you can do so as long as your absentee ballot has not yet been received and accepted by your county registrar's office. Bring your unvoted ballot to the polls if you have it. Surrendering it allows you to cast a regular ballot. If you do not have it, you may vote by provisional ballot.
Is Georgia Matters telling me who to vote for?
Never. Georgia Matters is a nonpartisan civic education initiative. We do not support or oppose any candidate, party, or political position. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Ready to apply?
The application deadline is June 5. Apply online now and allow plenty of time for your ballot to arrive and be returned before June 16.