Q&A: Election Day 2008

How late can I vote?

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?

Check the Georgia Secretary of State’s Web site: http://sos.georgia.gov

What do I need to bring with me?

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.

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.

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 office 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, and 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.

Mail-in ballots can be hand-delivered to the county registrar no later than close of the polls Tuesday. 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.

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 404-207-2440.

— Jamie Gumbrecht, Mary Lou Pickel, Jeremy Redmon