Answers to questions about voting today

How late can I vote today?

Polls are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. statewide. Polling places will remain open to allow voters standing in line at 7 to cast their ballots.

How do I know where to vote? If I voted in advance, can I check if my vote has been registered?

The Georgia secretary of state’s Web site can tell you both: www.sos.georgia.gov/elections/polllocator/PollLocator.aspx

What do I need to bring with me to vote?

Voters must present a government-issued photographic identification card: a state driver’s license (even if expired); a valid local, state or government employee ID; a U.S. passport; a U.S. military photo ID; or a valid tribal photo ID. County registrar offices and the state Department of Driver Services are also issuing free voter ID cards.

When is the best time to vote?

To avoid long waits, experts suggest going to the polls in the late morning, around 10 a.m., or in the midafternoon, about 2 p.m.

If I have to wait in line for hours to vote, can I get in trouble with my employer?

Maybe. Ask your employer about its policy before you vote. Georgia law requires employers to grant workers up to two hours to vote on Election Day. Employers can specify which two hours workers can use to vote. The provision doesn’t apply to people whose work hours begin at least two hours after the polls open or end at least two hours before polls close. Your employer does not have to pay you for time taken to vote.

If I requested a mail-in absentee ballot, can I still cast a ballot today?

Mail-in ballots can be hand-delivered to the county registrar no later than close of the polls today. If you have a mail-in ballot but have not yet returned it, you can bring it to your precinct, give it to the poll manager and vote in person instead.

Why would I be asked to fill out a paper “provisional” ballot instead of using a voting machine?

You would if your name is not on the list of registered voters for your precinct or you were not able to present an acceptable photo ID.

What must I do next to ensure my vote is counted if I cast a provisional ballot?

You must present an acceptable form of photo ID to your county registrar within two days from the close of the polls. If you were properly registered, your vote will count. If not, your vote won’t be counted; you will be notified in writing.

How are these different from “challenge” ballots and absentee ballots?

A voter could be asked to cast a paper “challenge” ballot if someone challenges his eligibility to vote. Absentee ballots can be cast in advance of Election Day by registered voters for any reason under state law. Members of the U.S. military and U.S. citizens living overseas have until Friday of this week to cast their absentee ballots. All approved ballots —- including provisional, challenge and absentee —- are counted in Georgia.

What if I encounter a problem at my polling place?

Problems may be reported to the secretary of state’s office. In metro Atlanta, call 404-656-2871 or 404-656-2881. Elsewhere in Georgia, call 1-888-265-1115, 1-877-725-9797 or 478-207-2440.

 CHARLES W. JONES / Staff 
ELECTION DAY STEPS 
If you're unfamiliar with the polling place, here's what to expect when you make it to the front of the voting line on election day. 
New touchscreen computers will assist pollworkers at helping you check in to start the voting process. 
With Georgia voter turnout expected to be record-breaking, election officials will aim to get your vote in and you on your way as quickly as possible.

Bring your ID 
1. Present your Georgia driver's license (even expired) or federal government-issued photo ID, including your voter ID card, valid tribal photo ID, military photo ID or U.S. passport to the pollworker. 

Locating your information
2. New to the Georgia election process is Express Poll, an electronic touchpad replacing paper voter rolls previously used to look up names. It connects voting precincts to the secretary of state's voter registration database. 
A. The pollworker uses the the touchscreen to enter your name. 
B. Once your information is found in the database, a voter access card is inserted into the Express Poll machine to have your personal information saved onto it. 
C. Once your data are loaded onto the card, it is activated, which will allow it to unlock the voting machine. The card is removed and handed to you. 

Logging your vote 
3. Take your access card to the voting station. Insert the card into the appropriate slot until you hear it "click." 
A. Read and follow instructions listed on the touchscreen monitor. Then touch "Start" to begin voting. 
B. Touch box next to candidate name or question to make your choice. An "X" will appear. Advance by touching "Next." 
C. When finished, touch "Cast Ballot."  

> Voting hours: Today, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 

> Practice before going 
To build a sample ballot and review the races from information produced by the League of Women Voters of Georgia, visit ajc.com/election. 

> Stay up to date 
For mobile alerts, sign up online at ajc.com/mobile. From your mobile device, visit ajc.com and click the "signup ajc.com alerts" link. 

> Where to vote 
To locate your voting precinct, log on to the Georgia secretary of state's Web site. http://sos.georgia.gov/cgi-bin/Locator.asp 

> Be counted 
You can still vote using a provisional ballot if ... 
>You cannot show one of the required forms of photo ID 
>Your name does not appear on the precinct voter list 
... but you must go to the elections office to clear up the issue within two days. 

Source: Office of Secretary of State Karen C. Handel 
Photos by POUYA DIANAT / pdianat@ajc.com, CHARLES W. JONES / cwjones@ajc.com, Office of Secretary of State Karen C. Handel 
Reporting by MARCUS K. GARNER / Staff, MARY LOU PICKEL  / Staff