A bill introduced in the Georgia Senate would allow voters to sign up to vote by mail every election.

Georgia already allows any voter to mail a ballot, but Senate Bill 409 would eliminate the need to request an absentee ballot each primary, general and runoff election.

"This is going to help voters of all different political stripes," said state Sen. Elena Parent, a Democrat from Atlanta who introduced the bill Thursday. "To be honest, it's probably going to be most popular among older voters, and they tend to skew Republican."

Five states permit permanent absentee voting: Arizona, California, Montana, New Jersey and Nevada. Five other states use all-mail voting.

Under current Georgia law, voters with disabilities, living overseas or over 65 years old can fill out one absentee ballot application for all primary, general and runoff elections in a year, but they must re-apply each year.

It's unclear whether the bill will advance through the legislative process. Nine Democrats signed the measure but it lacks a co-sponsor from the Senate's Republican majority.

About the Author

Keep Reading

April Newkirk holds a bouquet as she listens to a speaker during a vigil in honor of Adriana Smith at the Park Avenue Baptist Church on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Adriana was declared brain dead while she was pregnant, but the state’s abortion law has prevented doctors from removing her from life support.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Aerial photo shows demonstrators holding signs to oppose Trump’s immigration policies during “No Cake for False Kings” protest on the 17th Street NW Bridge, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC