Election Day 2014 probably couldn’t come soon enough for Georgia voters, and it may well not bring the last word we hear from candidates this year. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Voters will find a ballot chock full of statewide and local races, with a bonus of several ballot questions including whether to freeze the state’s maximum income tax at 6 percent. Here’s what you need to know:
WHERE DO I VOTE?
Before you go, find personalized sample ballots and your polling location on the secretary of state's "My Voter Page" website (www.mvp.sos.ga.gov). If you mailed in an absentee ballot, you can also check that site to see whether it has been received.
If you're already out, you can check the same information on the state's new "GA Votes" mobile apps. You can download the free apps for Apple or Android operating systems using either the iTunes app store for an iPhone or iPad, or Google Play for Android.
WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW I’M REGISTERED?
Check the secretary of state's Web page. Or contact your local election office directly. You can find a phone number through a telephone directory or on the secretary of state's website at www.sos.ga.gov/cgi-bin/countyregistrarsindex.asp.
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.
RUNOFFS
Georgia requires election winners to receive a majority of the vote — you’ll often hear politicos refer to this margin as “50 percent plus one (vote).” Several key races this fall have more than two candidates, making runoff elections possible.
Georgia keeps separate election schedules for state and federal races. It is therefore possible to have runoffs on separate days: Dec. 2 for state and local races including governor, and Jan. 6 for federal races including the U.S. Senate.
PROBLEMS
If you see or experience problems, first contact your local elections office. If local officials can't help, the secretary of state's office has an online complaint form via the "elections" tab at www.sos.ga.gov.
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