Index
Civic & GovernmentGeorgia, USA

Georgia 'No Excuse' Absentee Voting

Summary

Despite tightening ID requirements in 2021, Georgia remains a 'No Excuse' state for absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot without needing a specific reason.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You do NOT need to be sick, out of town, or over a certain age to vote by mail. You can request an absentee ballot simply because you prefer it.
  • 02.
    You can request your ballot online, by mail, or in person at your county registrar's office.
  • 03.
    As of the 2021 SB 202 law, you MUST provide your Driver's License or State ID number on both the application and the ballot envelope.
  • 04.
    You must request the ballot at least 11 days before the election date, and it must be received by the county election office by 7:00 PM on Election Day.

Penalties

  • 01.
    If you fail to provide the correct ID number or signature, your ballot will be rejected (though the county must contact you to give you a chance to 'cure' or fix the mistake).

Verified Citations

Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) 21-2-380

Source
"Any absentee elector may vote an absentee ballot... An elector need not offer a reason for requesting an absentee ballot..."