Conducting a Voter Registration Drive

As Americans, no right is more precious than the constitutional right to select our leaders. Yet many of eligible Georgia citizens are not even registered to vote.

There was a time in our nation’s history when barriers were erected to limit citizen access to the voting booth. Today, after the hard work and sacrifice of so many Americans, all citizens are guaranteed the right to have their voices heard. African-Americans gained the right to vote in 1866. Women secured the right to vote in 1920 with the passage of the 19^th Amendment, and 18- year-olds were extended the right to vote in 1971. The federal Voting Rights Act further safeguards the rights of all Americans to participate in our electoral system.

These precious rights are only of value if citizens take time to exercise them. We need your help to reach out to the Georgians who are not yet registered. With your assistance, we can work towards ensuring that Georgia becomes a leader in voter participation.

2010 Election Dates and Voter Registration Deadlines

Organizing Your Voter Registration Drive

1. Contact the Board of Registrar’s office in the county where the drive will take place and make them aware of your interest in holding a voter registration drive. Their office can provide you with helpful information for a successful drive.
   
   
2. Ask the County Registrar for information on how to properly store completed voter registration applications.  Also, make arrangements with your county registrar’s office for dropping-off the completed registration forms by the close of the next business day.
   
   
3. Georgia voter registration applications can be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website.
   
   
4. There are benefits to hosting a voter registration drive as Deputy Registrar. Contact your County Board of Registrars for more information.
   
   
5. Remember, Georgia law prohibits any benefit or “reward” (such as balloons, candy, school credits, etc.) from being provided in exchange for registering to vote or voting.

Tips

1. Be creative with your table - decorate it with bunting, balloons, and/or signs encouraging people to “Register to Vote Here”
   
   
2. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies for the voter registration drive, such as pens, clipboards, forms and volunteers.
   
   
3. Don’t be shy - have some volunteers standing with clipboards and registration forms in-hand, ready to ask passers-by if they are registered to vote.
   
   
4. Have fun!  You are helping the citizens of Georgia fulfill one of their most important civic responsibilities - feel good about what you are

Questions You Might Be Asked

Who can register to vote in the state of Georgia?
To register to vote you must be:
-  A citizen of the United States.
-  A legal resident of Georgia and of the county in which you wish to vote.
-  At least 17 1/2 years of age to register and 18 to vote.

You may NOT register to vote if you are currently:
-  Serving any sentence imposed by the conviction of a felony.
-  Judicially determined to be mentally incompetent.

Do I have to register by political party in Georgia?
No, Georgia does not register voters by political party.

Do I have to re-register if I move?
Yes.  Voters are required to notify the Board of Registrar's office of their county of residence whenever they move.  If you move within 30 days of an election, you may vote in your old precinct for that election.

When is the latest I can register for the next election?
You must register no later than the 5th Monday prior to the next election.  Mail-in applications must be postmarked by this deadline. 

Do I have to re-register for each election?
No, you only need to register once.  If you have not voted in three years, please contact your county Board of Registrar's office.

Where do I vote?
After your county receives your voter registration form, you will receive a precinct card in the mail which will state the location of your polling place and your local, state, and federal districts.  If you do not receive your precinct card within 30 days, contact the Board of Registrar's office in your county or check the Secretary of State MVP at: http://sos.georgia.gov/mvp

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