The new law shortens the window in which to request and mail-in an absentee ballot as well as restricts the number and location of drop boxes to deposit the ballot. Those drop boxes are now located only at early voting locations and only open during the hours that early voting is taking place. The Secretary of State has also removed the Online Portal to request an absentee ballot. Note: If you have automatically received absentee ballots in the past, do not assume that you’ll receive one automatically for this election. Follow the process below to request yours!

For anyone wishing to use absentee ballots, you’ll need to submit an absentee ballot application online at the link located here or click on the Cobb or Cherokee absentee ballot buttons at the bottom to download a PDF version. Fill out your name, address, and contact information in case there’s a problem with your ballot. If there’s no date in the Date of Election field, enter 11/8/2022. A new section requires you to provide ID as part of the application. If you have a Georgia driver’s license, you can enter the information on the application. If not, the application provides other ID that is acceptable. If you’re disabled, 65 years of age or older, a uniformed service member, spouse or dependent of a uniformed service member, or a citizen residing overseas, you can check a box to receive an absentee ballot for the rest of the election cycle.

Print, and then physically sign the application. You have the option of scanning and emailing it, mailing it, faxing it, or driving it in person to the county election office. Information for Cobb and Cherokee county election offices are provided below.

You can begin requesting your absentee ballot August 22. Ballots will start to go out September 20. Those ballots should be returned as soon as possible in the mail or at an early voting location.

For anyone wishing to vote on election day, we recommend doing so as early in the day as possible. A new change in the law requires that you vote only in the precinct in which you are assigned. If you go to the wrong location, you will not be able to cast a provisional ballot as in years past.

Even if you have voted at the same location for years, please double-check that your polling location hasn’t changed by going to the Georgia My Voter link. And make sure to bring valid Voter ID documents with you.

Election day for the general election is November 8.