Absentee ballots now available
For July, November elections
From Staff Reports

Secretary of State Karen Handel is encouraging Georgia voters to request absentee ballots for the July 15 General Primary Election and the Nov. 4 Election.

"We will likely see a high turnout in this year's (elections). That could mean extended wait times at some precincts," she said. "Absentee voting is a convenient way for voters to exercise their civic duty without having to visit a polling place on Election Day."

Registered voters can request an absentee ballot from their county registrar by completing the application at the Secretary of State's Web site: http:www.sos.ga.gov/elections/ ElectionCenter08.htm.

Ballots can be requested beginning 180 days prior to an election without providing a reason. The ballots will be mailed 45 days prior to federal, state and county elections and 21 days prior to those for municipal candidates only.

Voters participating by absentee ballot by mail are not required to provide photo identification, but their ballots must be received by the county registrar by Election Day.

More information is available at the Secretary of State's Web site or by calling 404-656-2871.