Georgians have a week left to register to vote as the state gears up for the May 20 primary election.
The good news is it’s easier than ever. State officials for the first time two weeks ago launched an online voter registration system as well as mobile apps for Apple and Android users. The system and apps can be used by both new voters and registered voters who need to update their residency information and find out where to vote.
The registration deadline is April 21. As of Friday, 2,400 Georgians had used the new online system.
How to register or check voting status
Anyone can confirm his or her voter status online through the Georgia secretary of state's website (www.sos.ga.gov). If you haven't already, here's how to register:
- Log on to the Georgia secretary of state's website and, under the elections tab, click "Register to Vote."
- Download and complete a voter registration application, then mail it in (http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/Elections/register_to_vote).
- Contact your local county elections office, public library, public assistance office, recruitment office, schools or other government offices for a mail-in registration form. A list can be found at http://sos.georgia.gov/cgi-bin/countyregistrarsindex.asp.
- Check the "voter registration" box when you renew or apply for your driver's license through the state Department of Driver Services.
- College students can obtain Georgia voter registration forms or the necessary forms to register in any state in the U.S. from their school registrar's office.
Mobile apps
Voters can download free "GA Votes" apps for both Apple and Android operating systems, which they can use to register or confirm their voter information. Go to the iTunes app store to download it for your iPhone or iPad. The Android version is available now, too.
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