ATLANTA — Georgia voters will be able to apply for absentee ballots for the November midterm elections beginning Monday, state election officials confirmed. The window for submitting requests opens immediately and closes Oct. 23, giving residents nearly two months to secure mail ballots if they plan to vote that way.
What voters must provide
To request a mail ballot, applicants must include a set of required details so election officials can verify identity and process the request. Among the items needed are a driver's license number, a contact phone number or email address, and the address or email for the applicant’s county board of registrars, depending on how the application is sent. The law also requires that the submitted application include a copy of the form with a physical signature signed in pen and ink.
- Driver's license number
- Phone number or email address
- County Board of Registrar's office address or email (varies by submission method)
- Copy of application with original handwritten signature
Applications may be submitted several ways: via an online form, by email, by fax, in person at the county registrar’s office, or through the mail. The Secretary of State’s website hosts the online request form and additional guidance for voters who need help completing the paperwork.
Timetable and practical considerations
The absentee application period runs through Oct. 23. Voters who prefer to receive ballots by mail should plan ahead to allow time for delivery and return, especially if they mail ballots close to the deadline. Ballots returned late may not be counted.
Election officials advise voters to verify their registration status and the correct contact details for their county board of registrars before submitting a request. Those who do not have a Georgia driver's license may be able to use another form of identification as permitted under state law; voters should consult the Secretary of State’s resources for accepted alternatives.
How to submit an absentee application
Below is a simplified reference of the submission options and what to expect with each:
| Method | Typical requirements |
|---|---|
| Online form | Complete form on Secretary of State site; contact info required; follow instructions for electronic submission |
| Attach signed copy of application; include required ID number and contact details; send to county registrar email | |
| Fax | Fax a signed copy to county registrar; include ID number and contact info |
| In person | Bring signed application and ID information to county registrar’s office |
| Mail signed application to county registrar; allow sufficient time for postal delivery |
Voters who submit electronically should ensure the image or document includes a clear handwritten signature; the state requires an original signature on the application, not a typed or electronically generated signature.
Why this matters
Absentee voting offers an alternative for Georgians who will be unable to vote in person on Election Day due to travel, work schedules, disability, or other circumstances. With the November midterms shaping control of federal and state offices, election officials and advocacy groups have emphasized clear communication around absentee procedures to minimize rejected ballots and confusion at the polls.
Local election administrators encourage voters to apply early and to return ballots as soon as possible once received. County registrars handle processing and distribution of absentee ballots, so having the correct contact information for your county office helps ensure timely delivery.
For more information on the absentee ballot application and the specific contact details for your county board of registrars, visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s website or contact your local registrar’s office.
— Tamara Ellison, State Correspondent
