Application for Official Absentee Ballot
2020 Election Dates and Absentee Deadlines & FAQs What is an Absentee Voter? Per Georgia Election Code 21-2-380 (a) the term 'absentee elector' means an elector of this state who casts a ballot in a primary, election or runoff other than in person at the polls on Election Day. All this means is that any voter who votes in person during Advance Voting or who requests their ballot be mailed to them are classified as 'Absentee Voters.' They are 'absent' from their polling place on Election Day and there is no reason required to request a ballot be mailed to the voter. How Early may you submit your request for an absentee ballot? You may request an absentee ballot no more than 180 days prior to an election. By law, requests received more than 180 days prior to an election will be rejected. You may request an absentee ballot for the March 24, 2020 Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) and/or the May 19, 2020 General Primary and NonPartisan General Election now. The last day an absentee ballot can be mailed for the March 24 PPP is Friday, March 20, 2020. An absentee ballot application for the PPP must be received in our office by 4:30 p.m. in order to be processed and mailed on Friday, March 20, 2020. What is the Last Day you may submit your request for an absentee ballot? There is no voting the Monday prior to any election. This means an absentee ballot application must be received in our office by the close of business on the Friday before Election Day (4:30 pm) in order to be processed and mailed on that Friday. ID Requirements Eligible voters desiring to vote by mail may do so without providing a reason or identification. However, voters who registered for the first time in Georgia by mail and did not provide identification with their registration, will be required to provide, at the time of voting, one of the six acceptable forms of Photo ID or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other governmental document that shows the name and address of the voter. Those voters not having the proper form of identification will be offered a Provisional Ballot. Special Provisions for the Elderly / Disabled Voters Requesting a Ballot If you are a voter age 65 or older and/or a voter with a physical disability you may choose to submit one application and receive a ballot for the Presidential Preference Primary, General Primary, General Primary Runoff, General Election, and General Runoff. You must check the appropriate box on the Application for Official Absentee Ballot or clearly state this desire on your written request which indicates your request for all ballots to be mailed to you within the election cycle. NOTE: Voters desiring to vote by mail must submit a separate application for any Special Election. Who Can Return Your Voted Absentee Ballot? Absentee ballots may be mailed (be sure to use sufficient postage if mailing) or personally delivered to the Elections Office. Absentee ballots must be returned to our office (either having been mailed or personally delivered) by 7:00 pm on Election Day in order to be counted. Deadline for Returning Your Voted Absentee Ballot Absentee ballots must be returned to our office (either having been mailed or personally delivered) by 7:00 pm on Election Day in order to be counted. There are special provisions for voters in the military and voters living overseas; click here for more details.
When will my voted absentee ballot be opened? On Election Day. All absentee ballots remain sealed and under lock and key until that day. And, yes, following GA Election Code all absentee ballots submitted and accepted are counted in the final totals for every election. For More Information For more information about Absentee Voting by Mail please visit the Georgia Secretary of State's website.