Are absentee ballots the same as mail-in ballots?
Some states use the term "mail-in" ballot interchangeably with "absentee" ballot. However, there are several states that conduct mail-in only elections, and voters that are out of the state for Election Day might request an absentee ballot. In this case, absentee ballots are a form of mail-in ballots.
How do I know if my vote has been counted?
Some states, such as Georgia, have a website you can visit to check if your absentee ballot was received and confirm that it was not rejected. If you have any concerns about the status of your ballot, contact your state's elections officials.
What happens if I make a mistake while filling out my absentee ballot?
Your ballot will come enclosed with instructions that detail how to spoil your ballot if you made a mistake. In the event you have to start over, there will be instructions on how to request a new absentee ballot.
When can I apply for an absentee ballot and when is the deadline?
Voters registered in Georgia can request an absentee ballot up to 78 days before an election. Click here to view the deadlines for this year's absentee ballot.
If I lose the absentee ballot that was sent to me, can I get another one?
You can, but you must first sign an affidavit affirming that you lost, destroyed, or did not receive the first absentee ballot. In this case, another ballot will be issued to you.
If I requested an absentee ballot, can I change my mind and still vote at my polling place?
If the ballot has been completed and returned and received by your elections office, you cannot vote at your regular polling place.
If you still have the absentee ballot and give it to the poll manager at your polling place, you may receive a regular ballot.
If you have not received an absentee ballot and want to early vote in person or vote in person on election day, you can still vote in person. Tell a poll worker that you have not received your absentee ballot yet. You will have to sign an affidavit and then you can vote.
If you have returned the absentee ballot, you generally cannot vote in person. Please contact your county elections office for more information about your specific situation.
Can I give my voted absentee ballot to someone else to return to the elections office?
Only physically disabled voters can do this. A physically disabled voter can designate a relative or an individual residing in the same household to return his or her voted ballot in person or by mail to the elections office.