Want to cast a ballot in Georgia's upcoming presidential primary? You have little more than a week to register to vote ahead of the March 1 election.

Feb. 1 is the final registration day, although absentee voting by mail has already started across the state. Registered voters can request a mail-in absentee ballot for either the Democrat or Republican preference primaries from their local elections office up to 45 days ahead of a federal Election Day.

If you want to cast a ballot in person, early voting begins Feb. 8 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 website. 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.