Early voting gets underway Monday for Georgia’s July 22 primary runoff, with key congressional, state and local races still up for grabs. Here’s a reminder about how the state’s runoff system works and where you can find a place to vote. Don’t forget, winners move on to the Nov. 4 general election:
No do-overs
Because the state conducts an “open” primary, voters last month were able to pick their choice of ballots regardless of any political affiliation. Not so for the July 22 runoff. As a voter, you must stick with the party ballot you chose for the main primary May 20. (In other words, you can’t cast a Democratic ballot in the main primary and then vote in a Republican runoff.) Important: If you did not vote in the primary, you may still cast a ballot in the runoff. And you can pick the party ballot of your choice.
Where do I vote?
Any voter registered in Georgia can vote early. Voters can see personalized sample ballots, verify their registration status and find early-voting polling locations on the secretary of state's "My Voter Page" website (www.mvp.sos.ga.gov). It's important to check because a regular neighborhood polling place may not be open; often, municipalities only open select sites during the 21-day early-voting period.
Information about local elections can also be found on the state's "GA Votes" mobile apps. You can download the free apps for both Apple and Android operating systems using either the iTunes app store for an iPhone or iPad or Google Play for Android.
What to bring with you
Georgia requires voters to show photo identification when they vote in person. Approved forms of identification include a Georgia driver’s license, even if it’s expired; a state-issued voter identification card; a valid U.S. passport; and a valid U.S. military photo ID.
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