MACON, Ga. — In Georgia, there are no statewide or federal races on the November 7 ballot.
However, folks can vote on mayoral and council races, SPLOST questions, alcohol rules, and more.
Here's some of what voters will see when early voting starts next week.
Key Dates:
Early Voting Begins: Oct. 16 polls. For times check with your local board of elections.
Mandatory Saturday voting: Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Election Day: Nov. 7 polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
What are some of the major races?
Warner Robins
There's a city-wide race for council post 2 at large. It's between Incumbent Charlie Bibb and Ellis Carter. There is also a vote on a Brunch Bill that would allow restaurants to serve alcohol before noon on Sunday.
Centerville
Centerville has a post-four council race between Incumbent Edward Armijo and challenger Larry Word.
Houston County
Folks can vote on whether to continue their countywide SPLOST for another five years.
Laurens County
Laurens County is also voting on a countywide SPLOST to fix roads, update county buildings, improve water systems and more.
Dublin
Dublin will settle city council and board of education races.
Bleckley County
Bleckley County will elect a new sheriff. It's between Daniel Cape and Chris Smith.
Putnam County
Putnam County will pick a new county commissioner.
Wilkinson County
Wilkinson County will decide whether to license package stores.
Mcintyre will decide whether to legalize Sunday alcohol sales.
More SPLOST and Mayoral Elections:
Several cities have mayoral elections including Forsyth, Sandersville, Montezuma, Oglethorpe, Irwinton, Vienna and Reynolds.
There are countywide SPLOST in Taylor, Wheeler, Baldwin, Peach and Wilcox Counties.
Am I registered to vote?
If it's been a while since you've voted and you're unsure about your voter registration status, if you are new to Georgia and need to register to vote here, or if you just want to check your status, the Georgia Secretary of State's My Voter Page can help you with all of those. If you have recently moved somewhere else in Georgia, you can also update your registration in that portal.
Can I register to vote online?
Yes. To use the Online Voter Registration System, you must have a valid driver’s license or ID card issued by the GA Department of Driver Services.
If you do not have one, you will be asked to submit a paper application. Precinct cards will be mailed out by the county office after they have processed your application.
The state says that can take a few weeks, so if you're planning on submitting a paper application, you should do that ASAP!
Can I vote by absentee ballot?
You can apply for an absentee ballot right now.
In order for a registered voter to request an absentee ballot, they must complete an absentee ballot application and return the application to their county registration office.
You can return applications by mail, fax, as an email attachment, or in person to your local county Board of Registrar's Office.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 27.
What else does the My Voter Page portal show me?
Besides your registration information, the name and address of your precinct and a link to the early voting location for your county; the portal also has information on the following:
Your U.S. Congressional District, your Georgia Senate District and Georgia House District, with links to each of those persons' official web pages.
Links to a full list of qualified candidates in the upcoming election (along with the last several elections) are also provided, as well as a sample ballot.
Where can I see a sample ballot?
You will need to sign into the My Voter Page portal to access a county-specific sample ballot. You can also contact your local elections office.
Where is my polling place?
If you have lost your precinct card, don't remember where your precinct is located, or your precinct has changed since the last time you voted; the My Voter Page portal will tell you the location of your polling place.
If you are planning on voting early, it generally takes place at your county board of elections office and not at the polling place listed on your general voter registration.
What do I need to vote?
When you head to the polls, you'll need one of the forms of ID below to cast your ballot:
- A Georgia driver’s license that's issued by the appropriate state agency
- A valid identification card issued by a branch, department, agency, or entity of the State of Georgia.
- A valid U.S. passport.
- A valid employee identification card with your photo issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the United States government in the state or any county municipality.
- A valid U.S. military ID with your photo.
- A valid tribal identification card with your photo.
The State of Georgia offers a free voter identification card if you don't have one of the six acceptable forms of photo ID. The voter ID card can be issued at any county registrar's office or Department of Driver Services Office.
To get one, you will need to provide:
- A photo identity document or approved non-photo identity document with your full legal name and date of birth.
- Document with your date of birth
- Evidence that you're a registered voter
- Document with your name and residential address
As always, 13WMAZ is your go-to source for election information, so be sure to bookmark this story, as it will be updated with voter resources, candidate profiles and other election stories as we get closer to Election Day.