The Midterm Editor's note: This page was last updated October 27, 2026. Election rules, candidate fields, and poll numbers change; confirm the latest details with the linked official source before you vote.
How to vote in Georgia 2026: key deadlines
| Step | Date | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Voter registration | October 5, 2026 | Georgia closes registration about a month before Election Day. |
| Early voting begins | About three weeks before Election Day, typically | Counties must offer set weekend days. |
| Early voting ends | The Friday before Election Day, generally | Confirm your county's schedule. |
| Absentee ballot request | Set by state law | The county must receive the request by the deadline. |
| Absentee ballot return | Received by the close of polls on Election Day | A postmark alone is not enough. |
| Election Day | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Georgia's registration deadline has passed by late October 2026, according to the calendar summarized in our fact file. If you are already registered, you can still vote early, by mail, or on Election Day. If you are not registered, check Vote.gov for your status.
How to register to vote in Georgia
To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident of Georgia and your county, and at least 18 years old by Election Day; Georgia allows registration before 18 for voters who will be 18 by the election. You must not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction involving moral turpitude or have been found mentally incompetent. The Secretary of State explains current eligibility and rights-restoration rules.
You can register online through the Secretary of State's portal, by mail, or in person at a county elections office, a driver's license office, or certain state agencies. Applications are due the fifth Monday before a general election.
Georgia does not offer same-day registration on Election Day. Voters can check their registration, precinct, and sample ballot through the Secretary of State's My Voter Page.
Early voting in Georgia
Georgia requires early voting to begin no later than the fourth Monday before a general election. The window usually runs for roughly three weeks.
State law requires Saturday voting during the window and allows counties to offer Sunday hours. Hours and locations are set by each county.
Mail and absentee voting in Georgia
Georgia allows no-excuse absentee voting. Any registered voter can request a ballot.
Requests can be submitted online through the Secretary of State's portal, by mail, or in person at your county elections office. Georgia requires an ID number on the application and a copy of an acceptable ID with the returned ballot; the Secretary of State lists the details.
Ballots must be received by your county by the close of polls on Election Day. A postmark is not enough. Drop boxes are limited and are generally available only during early voting hours.
If your ballot has a missing or mismatched signature, the county must notify you and give you a chance to cure it before certification. Track your ballot through the state's absentee ballot portal.
ID requirements
Georgia requires photo identification to vote in person. The Georgia Secretary of State lists acceptable forms, including a Georgia driver's license, a Georgia state ID card, a U.S. passport, a U.S. military ID, a tribal ID, and a photo employee ID issued by a federal, state, or local government agency.
Voters without ID can get a free Georgia voter identification card from their county registrar. If you arrive without acceptable ID, you may vote provisionally and provide ID within a set period for your ballot to count. Student IDs from Georgia public colleges are accepted; private college IDs generally are not, so check the Secretary of State's list before relying on a campus ID.
Polling hours and locations
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters in line at 7 p.m. are allowed to vote.
Georgia assigns voters to a specific precinct, and you must vote there on Election Day. Find your polling place and a sample ballot through the Secretary of State's My Voter Page or Vote.gov. Bring photo ID.
What's on the ballot
The Senate race between Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff and Republican Mike Collins is one of the most closely watched contests in the country. Our Georgia Senate race hub tracks it.
The governor's race is open because Gov. Brian Kemp is term-limited. Republican Rick Jackson faces Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. The governors hub follows that contest.
Every U.S. House seat from Georgia is on the ballot, along with state legislative seats, county offices, and local ballot questions. Results will be posted on our results page after polls close. For nearby comparisons, see the Florida voting guide and the North Carolina voting guide.
Accessibility and language assistance
Georgia polling places must provide accessible voting equipment and curbside voting. Ask your county elections office about curbside service at your site. Voters may bring someone to assist them or ask a poll worker for help.
Federal law requires language assistance in some counties, and the state publishes translated materials where required. Ask a poll worker if you need help in another language.
Official links
See also our state voting guides and 2026 election results.
- Vote.gov — registration and polling place lookup.
- Georgia Secretary of State, Elections — My Voter Page and county contacts.
- National Conference of State Legislatures — state-by-state comparison.
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission — federal guidance and accessibility resources.
Your state or county elections office is the final authority. If this guide and a county official disagree, follow the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Georgia voter registration deadline in 2026?
October 5, 2026. Georgia has no same-day registration, so check your status early.
Do I need an excuse to vote absentee in Georgia?
No. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot. You must include an acceptable ID number and a copy of your ID with the ballot.
What ID do I need to vote in Georgia?
A photo ID, such as a Georgia driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Voters without one can get a free voter ID card from their county registrar.
When is early voting in Georgia?
Early voting typically begins about three weeks before Election Day and includes Saturday voting. Check your county's exact dates and hours.
When do polls close in Georgia?
Polls close at 7 p.m. Voters in line at closing time may still vote.
What happens if no candidate wins a majority?
Some Georgia races go to a runoff, held weeks after the general election. Check the Secretary of State's site to see whether a runoff applies to your race.
Sources
- Georgia Secretary of State, Elections — accessed October 27, 2026.
- Vote.gov — accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Conference of State Legislatures, Elections and Campaigns — accessed October 27, 2026.
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission — accessed October 27, 2026.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, and county practices vary. Confirm every deadline with the Georgia Secretary of State or your county elections office before you vote.