Vote in Person

Vote in Person — Georgia Matters

Last updated: April 30, 2026  ·  Source: Georgia Secretary of State & Georgia.gov

Voting in person is straightforward. This guide walks you through what to bring, where to go, and what to expect — so you show up ready and confident. Most people are in and out in minutes.

May Matters is nonpartisan. We don't support or oppose any candidate, party, or political position. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

When & Where

Election Day · May 19

Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Location: Your assigned polling place only. Find it on your My Voter Page.

Polling places can change between elections — confirm yours before you go.

Early Voting · Apr 27 – May 15

Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM weekdays; 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturdays. Exact hours vary by county.

Location: Any early voting site in your county. Find locations →

If you're in line by 7:00 PM, you can vote. Georgia law requires poll workers to let everyone already in line cast their ballot, even if it takes past closing time. Do not leave the line.
Find your polling place: mvp.sos.ga.gov

Step by Step

1

Bring a valid photo ID

Georgia law requires photo identification to vote in person. Any one of the following is accepted:

  • Georgia driver's license (valid even if expired)
  • Any valid state or federal government-issued photo ID
  • Valid employee photo ID from any U.S. government, Georgia state, or local government entity
  • Valid U.S. passport
  • Valid U.S. military photo ID
  • Valid tribal photo ID
  • Student ID from a Georgia public college or university
  • Free Georgia Voter ID Card (see below)
Don't have an ID? Georgia offers a free Voter ID Card. You can get one at any county registrar's office or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office at no cost. Learn how to get one →
Note: Your voter precinct card is NOT a valid form of ID at the polls. Also, Georgia does not accept digital IDs or images on your phone — you must present a physical document.
Source: Georgia Secretary of State, Voter ID Requirements
2

Check in with the poll worker

When you arrive, you'll complete a voter's certificate with your name and address. A poll worker will check your photo ID and verify you're registered at the correct polling location. They'll then issue you a voter access card to use at the voting machine.

On Election Day you must vote at your assigned polling place. During early voting, you may vote at any early voting location in your county.

Source: Georgia.gov, Vote in Person on Election Day
3

Choose your ballot and vote

You'll be asked which party's primary ballot you want: Republican, Democratic, or Nonpartisan. Then cast your vote privately. Your individual choices are completely secret — no one will ever know who you voted for.

Not sure which ballot to choose? See our guide to choosing your ballot →

4

Fix a mistake before you submit

Made an error on your ballot? Before you cast it, ask a poll worker for a new one so you can make corrections. Once submitted, a ballot cannot be changed.

5

Request a provisional ballot if there's an issue

If your name isn't on the list, or if poll workers can't verify your information, don't leave — you have the right to cast a provisional ballot.

  • Ask the poll worker to double-check your name and spelling
  • Confirm you're at the correct polling place
  • If still unresolved, request a provisional ballot

Your provisional ballot counts as long as you resolve any eligibility issues with your County Board of Registrar within three days after Election Day.

Wrong polling place after 5 PM? Sign a document attesting you cannot reach your correct location and cast a provisional ballot. Follow up with your County Registrar to resolve it.
Source: Georgia Secretary of State, How-to Guide: Voting

Accessibility & Voter Assistance

Every Georgia voter deserves a polling experience that is accessible, private, and respectful. You cannot be turned away because of a disability.

Voters 75+ or with a disability Between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Election Day, you may request to vote immediately without waiting in line.
Audio ballots Available for voters who are blind or have low vision at all polling places.
Accessible voting machines Adaptive devices available including a hand-held controller (ATI), sip-and-puff device, and paddle device.
Wheelchair-accessible booths All polling places must meet ADA requirements. Contact your county registrar if you have accessibility concerns.

Bringing a helper

If you need help because of a disability, or because you have difficulty reading or writing, you can bring someone you trust to assist you at the polls — a family member, friend, or any person of your choosing.

Your helper cannot be your employer (or your employer's agent) or a union officer. They may be asked to sign a form confirming you requested assistance.

Source: Georgia.gov, Vote Early in Person
ADA voting protections →

A Note for Employees

Georgia law requires employers to grant employees two hours of paid leave to vote, unless polls are open at least two hours before or after the employee's regular work shift.

If you need time off to vote, talk to your employer in advance.

Need Help?

Nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline

If you have a question, run into a problem, or just need guidance at the polls — call. Trained nonpartisan volunteers can help.

English
1-866-OUR-VOTE
1-866-687-8683
Spanish
1-888-VE-Y-VOTA
1-888-839-8682
Asian Languages
1-888-274-8683
Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese
Report a problem at the polls
Contact the Georgia Secretary of State's Elections Division:
Metro Atlanta: 404-656-2871  ·  Elsewhere in Georgia: 877-725-9797
Or submit a complaint online →
Source: Georgia.gov, Vote in Person on Election Day

Ready to make your plan for May 19?

See the 5-Step Checklist →