Voter Resources

Being well informed allows our students to make thoughtful and timely decisions like voting! This article will provide resources about voting including what elections are taking place this year, how to register to vote and where to go. For additional resources or those specific to your home state/territory, we encourage to visit their Secretary of State’s website.

Important Terms

• Home State/Territory: The state or territory of your primary address or state issued identification.
• Primary Election: An election held by the political parties to nominate their candidates for the General Election ballot. No one is elected in a Primary election; candidates are nominated. For common FAQ’s regarding Primary Elections click here.

Voter Registration

To register to vote visit vote.gov.

• Select your home state or territory (this is the location with which you are a resident, if you do not have a permanent Georgia address do not select Georgia)
• Based on the rules of your state or territory, instructions on how complete your registration
  • Registration By Mail
    • Download and complete the National Mail Voter Registration Form
  • In-Person Registration Options (Georgia Residents)
    • Georgia Department of Driver Services
    • Local Armed Forces Recruitment Center
    • Local Public Assistance Office (SNAP/EBT)
  • Abroad and Military Voters
    • If you are a U.S. citizen living outside of the U.S., the Federal Voting Assistance Program allows you to request an Absentee Ballot

Voter Registration Deadlines

Each state has their own deadlines for registration. Click here to view each states registration deadlines or visit your local state/territory office.

*all states except North Dakota require people to register to become voters

Absentee Voting

Absentee voting is a ballot completed and mailed in advance of an election by a voter who is unable to be present at the polls.

Absentee ballots are commonly completed by the following individuals:

• Students or individuals who attend school in a state that is different from their home state or primary address.

Each state has absentee voting available however your home state may have a specific process. · To determine if you are eligible for absentee voting visit the NASS website and select your home state from the drop-down menu.

Obtaining an Absentee Ballot

• You may request an absentee ballot from your home state, please note your home state may require you to provide a valid excuse for absentee voting, being a student at an out-of-state university is an acceptable reason.
• Ensure you are aware of your state’s absentee voting deadlines for requesting and returning your ballot. Click here to view your state’s deadlines.

Early Voting

Early voting is when you vote in-person before Election Day. Under certain circumstances it is difficult to vote on Election Day, but many states have the option to vote early during a specific time frame. Click here to see if your state allows early voting.

In most states you do not need a reason or excuse to vote early but in most states, you may need to request an absentee ballot to be able to vote early.

Where to Vote

If you are a current Georgia resident or are planning on voting in person, you have options on where to do so.

By visiting your state’s Secretary of State website and selecting your county, you will find a list of available polling locations for that area. If you are not a Georgia resident or will be unable to travel to your home state or territory to vote before Election Day, review the section on Early and Absentee Voting.

Local Elections & Primaries

Different states and territories have different dates and deadlines for local elections and primaries. To find a calendar of dates for your home state or territory visit your Secretary of State’s website. Each website is organized differently, but typically information can be found under Elections or similar.

Upcoming Elections & Voting Dates (Georgia)

Click here to view comprehensive a calendar of 2024 Election Dates.