Vote by Mail: Step by Step
Any registered Georgia voter can vote by mail, no excuse required. This guide walks you through every step for the November 3 general election, from requesting your ballot to making sure it counts. The application deadline is October 23, but the earlier you apply, the safer you are.
Key Deadlines
Who Can Vote by Mail
Any registered Georgia voter can request an absentee ballot for any election. There’s no excuse or reason required. You just need to apply before the deadline.
Unlike some states, Georgia doesn’t ask why you want to vote by mail. If you’re registered, you qualify.
The Four Steps
The process has four stages: applying, receiving your ballot, filling it out correctly, and returning it. Each has its own requirements. Here’s what to know.
Request your ballot
Deadline: October 23. You must submit an application before a ballot is mailed to you. You can’t simply show up and vote by mail on Election Day.
You can request an absentee ballot:
- Online at securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov
- By mail, fax, or email using the official application, available at sos.ga.gov
- In person at your County Board of Registrars office
On the application you’ll provide:
- Your name, date of birth, address as registered, and where you want the ballot mailed
- A phone number or email so your county can reach you if there’s 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
Receive your ballot
After your county processes your application, your ballot is mailed to the address you provided. Counties begin mailing on October 5, and delivery can take up to two weeks. The sooner you apply, the sooner it arrives.
Haven’t received it within a week or two of applying? Check your status in the “Absentee Ballot” section of the My Voter Page, or contact your county registrar.
Fill out your ballot
Your ballot package includes the ballot and two envelopes. Follow each step carefully.
- Mark your ballot with an ink pen. Fill in the ovals completely. Don’t use checkmarks or X’s.
- Seal your ballot in the inner envelope labeled “Official Absentee Ballot.”
- Complete the outer return envelope: 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. No ID number? 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
Return it as early as you can. You have three options:
- Mail it back. Add postage and send it well ahead of Election Day.
- Drop box. Available inside early voting locations, during early voting hours only (October 13–30).
- Hand deliver to your County Board of Registrars office by 7 PM on November 3.
If Something Goes Wrong
Applied but haven’t gotten your ballot? Got a rejection notice? Here’s what to do. Voters have more options than they realize.
Before assuming the worst, visit the My Voter Page and open the “Absentee Ballot” section. You can see whether your application or ballot was flagged, and sign up for real-time updates by text, phone, or email.
If there’s a problem, your county will contact you with a way to correct your ballot envelope. You have until three days after Election Day (November 6) to fix it. Don’t ignore a notice from your county. The window is short.
The most common cause is a missing signature on the outer oath envelope. Double-check every field before you return your ballot.
Yes. If your mail ballot never showed up, you can still vote in person during early voting (October 13–30) or on Election Day (November 3), as long as your absentee ballot hasn’t been received and accepted.
Have the unvoted mail ballot in hand? Bring it and surrender it at the polls to cast a regular ballot. If you don’t have it, you can vote by provisional ballot.
Common Questions
Do I have to apply every election?
For most Georgia voters, yes. You submit a new application for each election you want to vote by mail. Georgia won’t automatically send you one.
One exception: if you’re 65 or older, have a physical disability, or are a military or overseas voter, you can opt in to automatically receive a ballot for every election in the cycle. Check the opt-in box on your application the first time.
How will I know if my ballot was accepted?
Log in to the My Voter Page and open the “Absentee Ballot” section. You can also subscribe to real-time notifications by text, phone, or email from the same place.
What’s on my mail ballot?
In the general election, every voter in your precinct gets the same ballot, with every race and candidate on it. There’s no party ballot to request, unlike in a primary. You vote for whoever you want, race by race.
Your November Ballot, ExplainedCan I change my mind and vote in person instead?
Yes. If you requested a mail ballot but decide to vote in person, you can, as long as your absentee ballot hasn’t already been received and accepted by your county. Bring your unvoted ballot to the polls and surrender it to cast a regular ballot. If you don’t have it, you can vote by provisional ballot.
Is Georgia Matters telling me who to vote for?
Never. Georgia Matters is a nonpartisan civic education initiative. We don’t support or oppose any candidate, party, or position. This guide is for information only and isn’t legal advice.
Ready to apply for your mail ballot?
