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Key Georgia State Laws Influencing Voter Registration
- Felony Disenfranchisement: Individuals convicted of a felony involving “moral turpitude” lose their voting rights until they complete their sentence, including probation and parole. The definition of “moral turpitude” is broad, leading to confusion and inconsistent application. Serving time for any felony conviction leads to disenfranchisement. Once a person has completed all requirements of a felony conviction and are “off paper” they may register to vote.
- A voter who was previously registered to vote prior to serving a felony sentence must re-register to vote once they are:
- Released from confinement.
- Completed all requirements of the felony conviction, including probation, parole, and paid fines and fees connected to the felony conviction.
- A voter who was previously registered to vote prior to serving a felony sentence must re-register to vote once they are:
- Voter ID Requirements: Georgia requires a photo ID to register and vote, impacting those without easy access to acceptable forms of identification.
- In-Person Voting: Acceptable IDs include a Georgia driver’s license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID, among others.
- Absentee or Mail-In Voting: Voters must include specific identification information with their absentee ballot application and the returned ballot itself. The requirements are as follows:
- Identification Information: Voters must provide their date of birth and either their Georgia Driver’s License or State ID number. If they do not have these, they can submit a copy of another form of acceptable ID, such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID.
- Submitting Identification: The identification must be clear and visible. Voters can submit a photo or scan of their ID electronically via the county elections office’s online portal or email. They can also submit a hard copy of their ID along with the absentee ballot application via U.S. mail or in person to the county elections office.
- Important Considerations: If the ID does not fit within the designated box on the application form, voters should attach a separate copy. Ensuring the ID is clear and legible is crucial, as incomplete or unclear submissions can lead to the rejection of the application or ballot.
- These requirements are designed to enhance the security of absentee voting but can create additional barriers for those without easy access to a scanner, camera, or acceptable forms of identification.
- Voters are encouraged to verify their documents and submit them well before deadlines to avoid complications. More information and county-specific submission addresses can be found on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website: Georgia County Registrars.
- Voter Registration Deadlines: Voters must register at least 30 days before an election, a cut-off that can reduce participation among those unaware of the deadline.
