What To Do If Your Voter Status is Changed to Inactive, Your Status is Challenged, or You Need to Register to Vote

Voter challenges against Georgians have been a persistent and increasing issue since the introduction of Senate Bill 202 in 2021. More recently, the passage of Senate Bill 189 further lowered the barrier for making biased and baseless voter challenges around the state.

The state regularly sends out notices of inactivity to people who haven’t participated in an election or had any other contact with the state’s election system for the past five years. This process can ultimately result in you being removed from the voter rolls so it’s important to contact your county elections office if you receive a notice.

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What should I do if I’m classified as an “inactive” voter?

  • First and foremost, the state should mail you a notice of your inactive status. However, things get lost in the mail, and people may miss this notification. So, it’s important to check your status regularly through Georgia’s My Voter page at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
  • If you receive a notice, you can fill out the form to update your voter registration information. You can also update the info online at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
  • Voters labeled as “inactive” retain the same rights as active voters. They can still vote. Any participation in elections will restore their voting status to “active.”
  •  If you have questions about your voter status, contact your county elections office.

What should I do if my voter status has been challenged?

  • Processes vary in each county for voter status challenges. If you think your status has been challenged, contact your county elections office as soon as possible.
  • Check with your county to find out what documents are required and present them in response to the challenge. Plan to attend your challenge hearing.
  • If a challenge is upheld, you can file a written petition in superior court appealing the decision.
  • Email [email protected] or call the Election Protection Hotline with questions.
    English (866-OUR-VOTE); Spanish (888-VE-Y-VOTA); Arabic (844-YALLA-US); and several Asian American and Pacific Islander languages (AAPI) (888-API-VOTE).
  • If your status is challenged and you vote either with a challenged ballot or a provisional ballot, remember to go to your county registrar’s office with proof of residency to make sure that your vote is counted. Call ahead to see what proof of residency is required.

Effective July 1, 2024, all challenges filed within 45 days of an election cannot be heard until after certification of the election.

What is considered a valid ID for voting?

  • Any valid state or federal government-issued photo ID, including a free ID card issued by your county elections office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
  • Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the US Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of the state.

Can I still register to vote if I do not have a Georgia ID?

  • Yes. Any valid state ID is accepted. You can register to vote in Georgia, and this is a common option for students who do not attend a state school.
  • If you have a Georgia-issued ID, you can register online at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
  • If you do not have a Georgia-issued ID, you must fill out a paper voter registration form and a residency form. These forms are online at sos.ga.gov. You must include a proof-of-residency form. This can be a COPY of a Georgia public university or college ID, proof of enrollment status, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address. Your required registration information must be mailed to your county elections office, or you can deliver it to the office yourself.

How do I know when and where to vote?

  • You can find your polling location online at sos.ga.gov
  • On Election Day, you are required to vote at your assigned precinct. During early voting, you may vote at any early voting location within your county. Early voting hours vary by location, so be sure to check before going to the site.
  • Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Election Day. Any voter in line to vote at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.