Anyone not registered to vote needs to sign up by Tuesday to cast a ballot in Georgia's statewide May 24 primary, with the voter registration deadline coming just ahead of the start of in-person early voting.

The election features several key congressional and state legislative primary races, along with local races.

Absentee ballots are already available for anyone wanting to vote that way. Any registered voter can request a mail-in absentee ballot, either through their local county registrar or through the Georgia Secretary of State's website (www.sos.ga.gov).

If you want to cast a ballot in person, early voting begins May 2 statewide. Check with your local elections office to see where to go.

How to register or check voting status

Anyone can confirm his or her voter status online through the secretary of state's online "my voter page" website (www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do). If you need to register:

  • For online voter registration, go to the secretary of state's website and, under the elections tab, click "Register to Vote."
  • Download a voter registration application (http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/Elections/register_to_vote), mail in the completed form.
  • Check the "voter registration" box when you renew or apply for your driver's license.
  • College students can obtain Georgia voter registration forms, or the necessary forms to register in any U.S. state from their school registrar's office.