Secretary of State Brian Kemp reminds Georgians that next Tuesday, Oct. 9, is the deadline to register to vote or update voter registrations for the Nov. 6 general election. Kemp advises Georgians to check their voter registration status now and submit an application or update as soon as possible. There are currently more than 6,700,000 registered voters.

“As Secretary of State, I count Georgia’s first online voter registration system, the My Voter Page, and electronic ballot delivery for military and overseas voters as three of my proudest accomplishments with millions of people utilizing these resources to take part in the electoral process. In the Peach State, it has never been easier to register to vote, update your voter registration, or access on-demand, personalized information for upcoming elections,” Kemp said. “Since 2014 alone, local elections officials have processed over 6,000,000 voter registration applications, and through online voter registration, over 212,000 people have registered to vote for the very first time.”

Kemp issues the following tips for Georgians:

It is quick and easy to register to vote or update your current voter registration on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. With a state-issued driver’s license or identification card number, Georgians can register to vote or update their existing record through Online Voter Registration (OLVR). Individuals can also use the free “GA SOS” app for Apple and Android devices or submit a paper application to their local registrar. To be eligible to register to vote, you must be a citizen of Georgia and the United States, at least 17 ½ years old, not serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude, and not found mentally incompetent by a judge. 

Georgia’s election officials are here to assist you. You can always contact your local registration office and elections office for assistance, and the Secretary of State’s Elections Division can be reached at 404-656-2871 or through email. Although state law designates the Secretary of State as the chief elections official, local officials run elections in Georgia. Already, officials have begun mailing absentee ballots to voters, testing voting equipment and preparing for November.

Mark your calendar for important dates. Advance in-person voting starts on Oct. 15, and runs through Nov. 2. In all 159 counties, the polls will also be open on Saturday, Oct. 27. Some counties will offer additional weekend opportunities to vote. Please contact your local elections offices to see what additional opportunities are available. 

Also, there are several constitutional amendments and statewide referenda on November’s ballot. Check them out on the Courier website under documents, attached to the online version of this news release.