ATLANTA — Voting can feel complicated, so we're committed to explaining the election process and helping others understand what's on their ballot.
11Alive anchor and The Georgia Vote co-host Faith Jessie is your guide to this election season. Using our To The Po11s video guides, we'll help you navigate this election season and provide the information you need to know before you head to the polls.
RELATED: 11Alive 2024 election county-by-county voter guide | Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Cobb and Clayton
When voting in Georgia DO
Bring your ID
Your ID is your ticket to vote. See a full list of acceptable forms of identification here.
Go to the right polling place
During early voting, you can vote anywhere in your county. However, on Election Day, voters must report to their designated polling place. The address will be on your voter registration card.
Lost your voter registration card? You can see an online version of it and find your polling location by logging into the Secretary of State's Office My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
Get in line before polls close
On Election Day, polls typically close at 7 p.m. As long as a voter is in line by then, by law, they will be allowed to cast a ballot.
Some polling locations may have a different cut-off time or extend voting hours - this will likely be prompted an issue that happened earlier in the day and will be approved by a court order signed by a judge. The goal is to give every voter equal access to cast a ballot on Election Day.
Prepare before going to the polls
In 2020, nearly 3 million registered Georgia voters didn't cast a ballot. With more than 7 million active voters in the state and about half already casting a ballot, races will be determined by who shows up on Election Day.
Check out your sample ballot, do your research, and be prepared when you get to the polls. You can always check poll wait times here.
DON'T do this when voting in Georgia
Don't take a selfie with your ballot
Georgia law prohibits using a camera, recording device, or a cell phone while inside a polling location. It is illegal to take a picture of a completed ballot or voting machine screen while voting is underway. The state constitution also affirms that "elections by the people shall be by secret ballot," so secrecy is highly protected in Georgia.
Instead, #PostThePeach. Save your selfie with your "I voted" sticker outside of the polls and encourage others to vote, too.
Don't wear campaign gear at the polls
Fashion aside, supporting your candidate with your clothing could get you turned away at the polls. That means no shirts, jackets, hats and the like with the name of a candidate, political party or slogan.
This is because, under Georgia election law, it's unlawful to campaign within 150 ft. of polling places or within 25 ft. of any voter waiting in line.
The best way to show your support is by casting your ballot.
Don't talk to poll watchers
These individuals are tasked by campaigns or candidates to keep a close eye on the polls. They are busy observing and legally not allowed to speak with voters. They should be easy to spot as they'll have a badge delineating them as a poll watcher.
There are several poll workers who are there to help and will likely approach you to say so. Definitely depend on a poll worker if you need help because that's what they're there for.
Voting in Georgia
DOs and DON'Ts to consider at the polls
For people heading to the polls, there are several things you need to consider before casting your ballot.
From what you can where to when you can snap a selfie, make sure you're following Georgia law.
How to register to vote in Georgia
When it comes to Georgia elections, the greatest resource is the Georgia Secretary of State's website.
People can register to vote on the My Voter Page. Here's more information on how to register and if you need to make changes to your registration.
Even voters who participated in the last election are encouraged to check their voter status to ensure that they have not been removed from the voter rolls. Here's how.
How to request an absentee ballot
While many people will line up at the polls, some people are opting to vote by mail via an absentee ballot. Before you can cast your vote by mail, you must request your ballot by the deadline.
Here's all you need to know about requesting an absentee ballot for the upcoming elections, including important dates.
Watch the videos in the YouTube playlist below so you're caught up on what you need to know before you head to the polls:
11Alive is committed to helping you vote confidently by understanding the 2024 election issues that impact you. Our goal is to educate and inform our audience about the election process. We plan to do that by verifying facts, providing context, and explaining the system. Get more election resources here at /vote.