Early voting kicks off this week in Georgia and North Carolina: What to know
Early voting kicks off this week in the key battleground states of Georgia and North Carolina, giving voters an opportunity to participate in the democratic process at a time that’s more convenient for them.
Early voting also often means forgoing the long lines that have come to define Election Day in some communities.
Both states face unique challenges this year as they begin such voting, with Georgia enforcing state laws passed since the 2020 election and parts of North Carolina still reeling from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.
Here’s what to know about voting early in each state:
Georgia
When and where
The voting period begins Tuesday and will continue until Nov. 1, the Friday before Election Day.
Georgia voters can find their early voting locations and voting hours here by county. The deadline to register to vote in the general election has already passed, but residents are encouraged to check their registration status here.
What to bring
Voters must bring photo ID to the polling location. A list of acceptable options is posted here on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website. If voters forget to bring a photo ID, they can fill out a provisional ballot, which will count if their eligibility can be proven within three days of Election Day.
Absentee voting by mail is another option for Georgians. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 25. Absentee ballots may be returned by mail or to drop boxes.
Post-2020 election reforms
Georgia passed a slew of election reforms after the 2020 election.
One provision significantly limits the number of drop boxes for voters who plan to cast absentee ballots. The drop boxes will be housed in election offices or early voting locations and will only be open during regular business hours.
The new legislation, however, expands early voting to mandate it be held on two Saturdays leading up to the election. Counties can determine whether they want to hold early voting on those two Sundays ahead of the election.
Several new provisions also take steps to minimize any uncertainty around the election results, largely by ensuring timely and transparent results. Counties are required to report the results of the early voting and absentee ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day, when counties will provide updates on the vote tallies at regular intervals.
State Election Board rules
The GOP majority on the Georgia State Election Board is backed by former President Trump. The board took the significant step of making changes to the election process less than 90 days ahead of the election this year.
One rule requires each voting location to hand count the ballots, potentially delaying the results. A second rule allows county officials to examine election materials, potentially delaying certification. Several of the new rules are in flux, as related lawsuits proceed.
North Carolina
When and where
Early voting begins Thursday and ends at 3 p.m. Nov. 2.
Voters may cast ballots early may do so at any early voting location in a voter’s county of residence, a list of which is posted here along with their schedules. Those who wish to vote in person on Election Day, must do so at their assigned precinct.
Registering
The standard deadline to register to vote in the general election has passed.
Same-day registration will be available at early voting sites during the advance voting period. A list of voter qualifications can be found here.
Residents who register must complete the application on site, available in English and Spanish, and provide proof of residence with a document that lists the resident’s current address. Examples of documents proving residence can be found here.
What to bring
Voters will need to show photo IDs at voting sites. A list of acceptable IDs is available here. Free-of-charge voter ID cards are available from county boards of elections or the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
Voters will be allowed to vote without a photo ID but will need to fill out an ID Exception Form.
Hurricane Helene accommodations
North Carolina officials have launched a centralized voting hub for residents affected by Hurricane Helene to provide the timeliest information.
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Officials are encouraging displaced residents to request absentee ballots to be delivered to their new locations. People who have already requested absentee ballots but now need to change their locations are advised to contact the original county board of elections “to spoil your current ballot and reissue a ballot to your new location.”
Some residents no longer have access to their photo IDs as a result of the significant damage from Helene. They are advised to fill out the ID Exemption Form, either at their voting site or with their absentee ballot, which will arrive with the empty form. Residents should select the option for “victim of a natural disaster.”
Residents can also go to their county board of elections offices to get a new voter ID.
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