Know Before You Vote! What Georgia Voters Need to Know for 2026 Midterm Elections

Georgia’s general election is November 3, 2026. Voters can cast their ballot in three ways: voting early in-person, by absentee ballot, or at their polling place on Election Day.

“With each of these options, there’s planning that has to happen,” said Stacey Ramirez of REV UP Georgia. “Make sure you understand the process and the steps so that your voice is heard and your ballot is counted.”

What Happened with the Absentee Ballot Order?

In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would have changed how mail-in ballots are handled in federal elections. States would have needed to give the U.S. Postal Service lists of voters approved to receive mail-in ballots. These are also called absentee ballots. The Postal Service also created new rules for ballot envelopes, barcodes, and voter information. Ballots that did not meet those requirements could have been refused.

Twenty-three states and voting rights groups challenged the order in court. They said the federal government did not have the authority to make these changes. They also said that changing the process so close to the election could create confusion and keep some ballots from being delivered.

On September 14, the Supreme Court decided not to let the new requirements take effect for this election. Mail-in voting will use the usual process for 2026. However, the issue may come up again in future elections.

For Georgia voters, the important thing to know is that absentee voting is still available for the November election.

How to Vote by Absentee Ballot

“The process for absentee ballot voting is well established,” said Dan Crimmins of REV UP Georgia. Any registered Georgia voter can request an absentee ballot. They do not need to give a reason. But, Georgia does not automatically send every voter an absentee ballot. So they need to apply first.

People can apply online through Georgia’s absentee ballot portal. They can also send an application to their county elections office by mail, email, or fax, or they can deliver it in-person. The county elections office must receive the application by October 23, 2026.

When your ballot arrives, read all the instructions before filling it out. If you need help, federal law allows voters with disabilities to choose someone to assist them, with a few exceptions. Learn about your right to voting assistance.

The county elections office must receive the completed ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark showing that it was mailed by Election Day is not enough. Dan Crimmins of REV UP Georgia recommends mailing your ballot as soon as possible, “preferably weeks in advance,” he said.

If Election Day is getting close, consider using an official drop box or taking the ballot to your county elections office. Check My Voter Page to see whether your ballot was received and accepted.

Making Your Voting Plan

Start with Georgia’s My Voter Page. It is the main resource for election information. You can use it to:

• Check your registration status
• Find your Election Day polling place
• Find early-voting dates, hours, and locations
• View a sample ballot
• Track your absentee ballot

Your registration may be marked “inactive” if you have not voted or contacted election officials for five years. You can still vote with an inactive status.

“If it is inactive, all you have to do is go vote,” Ramirez said. “Don’t not go vote because it’s inactive.”

Then, plan when and where you will vote. Early voting begins October 13, 2026. A good thing about early voting is that people can vote at any voting site within their county. This is different from Election Day, when they must vote at your specific precinct.

Check your photo ID. The Secretary of State website has a list of acceptable ID’s for in-person voting.

Next, how will you get to the polling place? Do not wait until Election Day to arrange a ride. “It’s okay to ask for a ride,” assured Crimmins. “People are willing to help.” Depending on where you live, you may also be able to schedule a free ride with Ride 2 the Polls.

Know Who Is on Your Ballot

Don’t make the polling booth be the first time you’re looking at your ballot. Find your sample ballot on My Voter Page and research the candidates and issues ahead of time.

Ballotpedia.org has unbiased information on the candidates up for election. REV UP Georgia also created a plain language voter guide. This document also has unbiased information about candidates and their positions on disability issues. Neither of these sources support or oppose any candidate or political party.

Once you make your choices, print or complete a paper copy of your sample ballot to take with you. Georgia limits cell phone use at polling places.

Resources for Voters with Disabilities and Their Families

REV UP Georgia offers nonpartisan resources for voters with disabilities. Its Are You Vote Ready? campaign walks voters through each part of the process.

With funding from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, REV UP Georgia also created an 11-part voter education video series.

If you have a question or face a problem while voting, call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). It’s important to report problems even if they are resolved. These reports can help identify patterns and barriers that affect voters across the state.

No matter how you choose to vote, start planning now. Know the steps, check your information, and ask for help when you need it.