- First, find your designated polling site at vote.org. On election day, you will only be allowed to vote at your designated precinct. Make sure to double check your polling site because they can change from year to year.
- Plan your method of transportation to your polling site in advance. Plan to get yourself to the polls, whether that is by driving yourself, taking a bus, walking or getting a ride from a family member or friend. Lyft is offering 50% rides to the polls if you use code VOTE24 between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Decide who to vote for in advance. You can see information about presidential candidates at their campaign websites (donaldjtrump.com/agenda47 and kamalaharris.com/issues/), which is helpful if you’re looking to compare policy. Also, all 435 House of Representatives seats, the entire Georgia General Assembly, several local positions and many amendments are on the ballot this year.
- Fill out a sample ballot to prepare. Cell phones are allowed while voting in some states, but in Georgia, your phone must be off and put away while in the voting booth. However, you are permitted to bring paper notes or sample ballots with you. Once you find a sample ballot for your location, print it out or write down your selections on a piece of paper. A sample ballot will help so you won’t have to memorize your choices for each race and you can make sure you’re voting for the candidate you chose.
- Bring your government-issued photo ID. You must have this to be allowed to vote, but you do not need to bring a voting card or other documentation.
- Vote at your designated polling location on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Georgia, but times vary in other states. As long as you are in line before 7 p.m, you will be allowed to vote, so stay in line. You may bring food and water to have while you wait in line, so bring everything you may need in case you have to wait. You may bring children with you to the voting booth, so you don’t need to worry about getting childcare. However, you are not allowed to wear any clothing with the name of a candidate, political party or slogan. In 2020, Georgia was decided by 11,779 votes, so remember that every vote counts.
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The Southerner’s official guide to voting in 2024
November 4, 2024
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About the Contributor
Audrey Lyons, Comment Associate Managing Editor
Audrey is a junior and this is her second year writing for the Southerner. She loves playing guitar and piano, acting in Midtown's theatre productions, taking dance classes and cooking and baking for friends and family. She is excited to be on staff this year.