Georgia suspended over 53,000 voter registration applications due its “exact match” law, which places applicants in “pending” status because of errors as small as a misplaced hyphen, dash, or space. Here’s how you can vote despite the Georgia Secretary’s of State’s current implementation of this law.
How can I tell if my registration is affected?
You can check your registration status online at https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov, or call your local county registrar.
If my registration status is “pending,” can I still vote?
Yes! If you want to vote in person, you can vote with the voter photo ID you would ordinarily use to vote. You are entitled to vote a REGULAR ballot. You are NOT required to vote a provisional ballot.
What should I do if I plan to vote by mail?
If your registration status is “pending” and you plan to vote by mail, submit a copy of your voter photo ID with your absentee ballot application.
What ID is required to vote in-person in Georgia?
- Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
- Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a FREE voter ID issued by your county registrar’s office or the Department of Driver Services;
- Valid U.S. passport;
- Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
- Valid U.S. military photo ID; and
- Valid tribal photo ID
What if my photo ID address doesn’t match my voter registration address?
That’s ok. But if your photo ID address is not the same as your voter registration, bring a second form of ID that lists your registration address to the polling place, or include a copy with your absentee ballot application. This may include: a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government documentation that shows your name and current address.
What if I’m a recently naturalized citizen in “pending” status?
You may have been placed in “pending” status due to outdated citizenship information on file with the Department of Driver Services, even if you provided proof of citizenship while registering to vote. If you are recently naturalized and your registration status is “pending,” you are entitled to vote a regular ballot. Just make sure to bring your naturalization certificate or U.S. passport or other proof of citizenship to the polls, or include a copy when you request an absentee ballot.
You will need to have a deputy registrar approve your proof of citizenship at the polls or at the county registrars’ office. If a deputy registrar cannot be contacted, you should be permitted to vote a provisional ballot with proof of citizenship. If possible, call your county registrar and ask if you can send your proof of citizenship by fax or email before going to the polls.
What if my application is in “pending” status because of missing or incomplete information?
If your voter registration application is pending due to missing or incomplete information, you can still vote! You will need to provide the missing information on or before Election Day to complete your registration. Contact your county registrar to provide the missing information.
If I have issues at the voting poll on Election Day who can I call for help?
If you have questions or need assistance, call the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA. Asian and Pacific Islander Languages: 888-API-Vote. Arabic: 844-YALLA-US.
Know your rights and show up to vote during early voting period or on Election Day.
Election Day Voting: Nov. 6, 2018 - Polling places are open from 7am to 7pm
Early Voting: Monday Oct 15, 2018 - Fri Nov 2, 2018
Find your early voting location and hours here:
http://elections.sos.ga.gov/Elections/adavancedVotingInfo.do