Will Georgia voters run to the polls Tuesday, or will almost-record-low turnout decide each party’s nominee in key races statewide? Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the state’s primary runoff elections, and there are still plenty of contests to make a difference. 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 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
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.
BALLOTS
As a voter, you must stick with the party ballot you choose for the main primary (in other words, you can’t cast a Democratic ballot in the main primary and then vote in a Republican runoff). However, if you did not vote in the primary or if you originally picked a nonpartisan ballot, you may still vote in the runoff and pick the party ballot of your choice.
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. The office's voter fraud hot line is 877-725-9797.
EARLY VOTING TOTALS
Only about 3 percent of the state’s roughly 5 million active voters cast ballots early for the runoff, leaving observers to predict final turnout on Election Day won’t exceed the single digits or low teens. By contrast, almost 5 percent of voters cast ballots early two months ago during the regular primary, with final Election Day turnout of about 20 percent. The wrap on early voting for this year’s runoff:
Number of ballots cast: 159,152
Number of ballots voted in person: 134,267
Number of mail-in ballots returned: 24,885
Number of mail-in ballots outstanding: 12,717
Number of ballots cast, Republican: 121,678
Number of ballots cast, Democratic: 36,677
Number of ballots cast, nonpartisan: 797
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