In the state of Georgia, “mail-in ballots” refer to absentee ballots, which are ballots that any registered voter can request through the state government when they can’t physically be present at a voting center on Election Day.

All mail-in ballot applications must be received by the end of business on May 8. The exact time of day varies by county.

Mail-in ballots must be received before 7 p.m. on May 19 (Election Day)

Any registered Georgia voter can apply for an absentee ballot. You do not need an excuse to request an absentee ballot.

Step 1: Get the application

You can request an absentee ballot by submitting an application online, by email, by mail, by fax, or in person:

• Online: Go to securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov

• Print & mail/fax/email: Download the official application (form APP-25) from sos.ga.gov

• In person: Deliver a completed application to your County Board of Registrar's Office

Step 2: Fill out the application

When completing your application, you will need to provide:

• Your phone number or email address so the county can reach you if there is an issue with your application

• Your name, date of birth, address as registered, and the address where you wish the ballot to be mailed

• Your Georgia driver's license or Georgia 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: you will need to request either a Democrat, Republican, or Non-Partisan ballot

Step 3: Sign and submit the application

Review your application carefully and sign it by hand, with ink, as required by Georgia law. Your request must be on an official application — informal requests on a plain piece of paper are not accepted.

Submit your completed, signed application to your County Board of Registrar's Office by Friday, May 8, 2026 (the deadline for the May 19 primary).

Step 4: Receive and return your ballot

Absentee ballots for the May 19 election will be mailed out beginning April 20, 2026. Once you receive your ballot:

• Fill in the circles for your choices, then place it in the envelope provided, writing your name, signature, driver's license or state ID number (or last four digits of your Social Security number), and date of birth on the outside

• Return it by mail, drop box (available during early voting hours), or in person to your county elections office

• Your ballot must be received — not just postmarked — by 7:00 PM on Election Day, May 19, 2026

Important reminders:

• If mailing your ballot back, add postage and return it as early as possible — it must arrive by 7:00 PM on Election Day, not just be postmarked by then

• Track your ballot status at mvp.sos.ga.gov under the "Absentee Ballot Portal" section

• If you change your mind, you can still vote in person as long as your absentee ballot has not yet been received and accepted by the elections office

In a primary election year, mark on your mail-in ballot application which party primary and runoff election you want to vote in.

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 a 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. To do this, just check the opt-in box in Section 12 the first time you fill out your application.

The good news is that applying is quick and easy. You can do it online at securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov or contact your county elections office if you need help

The Georgia Secretary of State has a ballot tracking tool called My Voter Page. Log in and look for the section labeled "Absentee Ballot Request Information" to see your ballot status.

You can also sign up for real-time notifications. Once logged into My Voter Page, scroll down to the "Absentee Ballot Portal" section and select "Subscribe to notifications about the status of my ballot." You can choose to receive updates by text, phone call, or email.

If there is a problem with your ballot, you are not out of options. If your ballot was rejected, your county elections office will contact you with a document to correct your ballot envelope. You have until 3 days after the election to fix it.

For the May 19, 2026 primary, ballots will be mailed starting on April 20, 2026 (about 29 days before Election Day). After your county elections office reviews your application, your ballot will be sent to the address you put on your application.

The sooner you apply, the sooner it arrives. Applying early gives you plenty of time to fill it out and send it back without any stress.

If you have not received your ballot within 7 to 10 days of it being mailed, take action right away. You can check your ballot status at any time by logging into My Voter Page.

If your ballot never shows up and there is not enough time to get a new one, do not worry. You can still vote in person during early voting or on Election Day.

Your ballot package will come with everything you need: the ballot itself and two envelopes. Here is how to fill it out correctly.

Step 1: Mark your ballot

Fill in the ovals completely using an ink pen. Do not use checkmarks or X's. Take your time and read each race carefully before making your choice.

Step 2: Seal your ballot in the inner envelope

Place your completed ballot into the envelope labeled "Official Absentee Ballot" and seal it.

Step 3: Complete the outer return envelope

This is the most important step. Filling out the outer oath envelope incorrectly could invalidate your ballot. You will need to:

Use an ink pen and sign the oath in your usual signature. Then 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.

One of the most common reasons a ballot is rejected is a missing signature, so do not skip this step.

Step 4: Return your ballot

Send it back as early as you can. You have three options:

You can mail it, hand deliver it to your county registrar, or bring it to your county's drop box. Drop boxes are located indoors and are only open during early voting hours.

However you return it, your ballot must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day, May 19, 2026. Postmark does not count. It must physically arrive by that deadline.

If you are mailing it back, add two first-class stamps and send it at least one to two weeks before Election Day to be safe.