Want to cast a ballot in Georgia's upcoming presidential primary? You have 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 Democratic 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 statewide Feb. 8. Check with your local elections office to see where to go.

If you need to register, here’s how:

  • For online voter registration, go to the secretary of state's website at http://sos.ga.gov/ and, under the elections tab, click "Register to Vote."

  • 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.

Anyone can confirm his or her voter status online through the secretary of state’s website.