Elections

What is an absentee ballot and how do I get one in Georgia?

Here’s everything Georgia voters should know about requesting and returning an absentee ballot before Nov. 3.

A worker at the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections works to process absentee ballots at the State Farm Arena Monday.

The midterm elections are coming up on Nov. 3. Voters in Georgia will have the chance to make their voices heard in races up and down the ballot, including for the Senate and the governor. If you’ll be out of town, have to work, or can’t make it to the polls for any other reason, you can request an absentee ballot. Georgia doesn’t require an excuse to vote absentee—anyone can request one. 

You can request an absentee ballot through the Georgia My Voter Page. The state will mail you a ballot, and you can return it by mail or drop it off. You can find more on that below.

Remember:  Your completed ballot must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day—not just postmarked. Send it back with plenty of time to spare.

What is an absentee ballot?

An absentee ballot lets registered voters cast their ballot without voting in person. Many people in the US military, people with disabilities, and people who can’t wait in line at the polls choose to vote this way. But in Georgia, any registered voter can request one, no reason required.

How do I get an absentee ballot in Georgia? 

To vote absentee, first submit an absentee ballot application through the Georgia My Voter Page. You can apply online, by mail, by email, by fax, or in person.

Applications open 78 days before Election Day (Aug. 17) and close 11 days before Election Day (Oct. 23). Requesting early gives you the most time to receive, complete, and return your ballot.

If you are physically disabled or living temporarily outside your county of residence, you can see if a close relative will apply for an absentee ballot for you.

Where do I return my absentee ballot? 

You have three options:

  • Mail it back using the return envelope provided. 
  • Drop it off at an official ballot drop box.
  • Hand-deliver it to your county registrar’s office.

Whichever method you choose, return it as early as possible. Mail delivery times and drop box availability can vary by county.

When do I have to turn in my absentee ballot?

Completed and signed absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2026. There are no exceptions. A ballot postmarked on time but received late will not count. If you want your vote to count, make sure it’s turned in before the deadline.


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Authors

  • Colleen Hamilton is Courier Georgia’s political correspondent. Based in Atlanta, she has covered politics, education, climate, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her reporting has appeared in The New York Times, Teen Vogue, and Vice, among many other publications.

    Have a story tip? Reach Colleen at colleen@couriernewsroom.com. For local reporting that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for her free newsletter here.