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.
What is a poll watcher?
When people go to the polls to vote, they may come across a poll watcher. These are people who observe at a polling place on Election Day or early voting and are allowed to get a behind-the-scenes look at the vote-counting process.
Georgia law allows each political party to designate up to two poll watchers per precinct. Nonpartisan and independent candidates get one. Each political party or candidate must certify, under oath, that the poll watchers have completed the required training. Georgia law also requires that they wear a badge provided by election officials, designating them an "official poll watcher."
Authorized poll watchers are allowed within 6 ft. of the area encompassing the ballot marking device and all voting stations. They can sit or stand as close as is practical; however, they are not permitted to hear certain confidential information, such as voters' birthdays or driver's license numbers.
To learn more about becoming a poll watcher, check out the Secretary of State's training manual. According to the office, the training has to be provided by the political party, political body or candidate designating the poll watcher.
What is a poll monitor?
Poll monitors are usually outside the polling location, checking for long lines or issues. They usually include members of the public, and they don't have to be appointed by a candidate or political party, nor do they have to wear badges like watchers.
They are not allowed to come within what Georgia calls the "enclosed space," which is about 6 ft. from ballot marking devices. Poll monitors are not allowed to touch election supplies or materials at a polling location.
Poll monitors have the same general restrictions that apply to poll watchers.
It is illegal for both poll watchers and poll monitors to prevent election workers from performing their duties and from conducting any campaign-related activities. They also are not allowed to speak with voters within 150 ft. of the polling place.
Voting in Georgia
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.
Voting in Georgia: What to bring
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.