VOTING RIGHTS IN GEORGIA
Your vote. Your voice.
Your rights.
Straightforward answers about the Georgia and federal laws that protect you—before, during, and after you cast your ballot.
Last reviewed July 22, 2026 • Information, not legal advice
FIND YOUR SITUATION
What do you need help with?
THE ESSENTIALS
Know what the law protects.
Georgia sets the rules for running elections. Federal law adds nationwide protections against discrimination, intimidation, and barriers for voters who need assistance.
REGISTRATION & ELIGIBILITY
You have the right to register if you qualify.
Georgia eligibility
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You are a U.S. citizen and a legal resident of Georgia and your county.
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You are at least 17½ to register and 18 to vote.
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You are not currently serving a sentence for a felony.
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You have not been found mentally incompetent by a court.
Registration deadline
Georgia generally requires registration by the fifth Monday before an election. Check your status early - especially after a move or name change.
After a felony sentence
Georgia says you may register after completing the sentence, including probation, parole, and fines owed. Confirm your status with your county elections office if you are unsure.
ID & Casting Your Ballot
You have options for how and when to vote.
Vote in person
Georgia requires photo ID for in-person voting. Accepted forms include a Georgia driver’s license - even if expired - a U.S. passport, certain government employee, military, tribal, and Georgia public-college student photo IDs.
No accepted ID? Georgia offers a free voter ID through county registrars and the Department of Driver Services.
Vote early
Georgia provides an advance-voting period before Election Day. During early voting, you may use any early-voting location in your county. Hours and locations vary by county.
Vote absentee
Any eligible Georgia voter may request an absentee ballot. A request generally must reach the county at least 11 days before the election. Track your request and returned ballot in My Voter Page.
Election Day: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are in line by 7 p.m., stay in line - you must be allowed to vote.
Assistance & Access
You have the right to an accessible voting experience.
Accessible Voting
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires full and equal access to registration and voting. Georgia polling places provide accessible voting equipment. Ask a poll worker for the accommodation or accessible voting session you need.
Line Assistance
Georgia says a voter with a disability who arrives between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. may ask a poll officer to move to the front of the line.
Bring someone you trust.
If you need help because of disability or difficulty reading or writing, Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act lets you choose a person to assist you. That person cannot be your employer or union representative. Georgia also excludes a candidate whose name is on the ballot.
Problems at the Polls
You still have rights when something goes wrong.
Ask for a provisional ballot.
If you declare that you are registered and eligible in the county but your name is missing, you must be offered a provisional ballot. Georgia gives the county three days after Election Day to determine eligibility.
Intimidation is illegal.
Federal law prohibits intimidation, threats, and coercion - or attempts - throughout registration, voting, and ballot counting.
For immediate danger, call 911.
Vote provisionally, then show ID.
You may cast a provisional ballot and present acceptable ID to your county elections office within three days after Election Day for the ballot to count.
Document and report it.
Federal law protects voters from race- and language-based discrimination and requires disability access. Write down what happened, where, when, and who was involved.
BEFORE YOU GO
Make a five-minute voting plan.
A few checks now can prevent surprises later.
1
Check your registration.
Confirm your name, address, and active or inactive status in My Voter Page.
2
Choose how you'll vote.
Compare early, absentee, and Election Day options and deadlines.
3
Find the correct location.
Early-voting locations differ from your assigned Election Day precinct.
4
Bring accepted photo ID.
If you need a free voter ID, start with your county registrar.
5
Save the hotline.
Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) if you need nonpartisan help.
Get Help
Speak up. Write it down. Report it.
If a problem can be fixed at the polling place, ask for the poll manager. Keep notes, including the time, location, names, and what was said. Do not photograph a completed ballot.
Nonpartisan Election Protection
866-OUR-VOTE
866-687-8683