Early voting gets underway Monday for Georgia’s hotly contested Nov. 4 general election, including tight races both for governor and the U.S. Senate. As the polls open, here’s a primer for where to go, when to go and what to bring with you:
Where do I vote?
Any voter registered in Georgia can vote early. Voters can see personalized sample ballots, verify their registration status and find early-voting polling locations on the secretary of state's "My Voter Page" website (www.mvp.sos.ga.gov). It's important to check because a regular neighborhood polling place may not be open; often, local municipalities only open select sites during the 21-day early-voting period.
Information about local elections can also be found 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 if I don’t know I’m registered?
Be proactive. Check the online secretary of state's Web page. Or directly contact your local election office. 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.
It’s important to note that 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.
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