Voting Procedures in the United States and Georgia

How Elections Are Conducted: U.S. elections are managed at the state and local levels, with significant discretion in setting procedures like voter registration deadlines and identification requirements. In Georgia, elections are administered according to the Georgia Election Code, which outlines procedures for county and municipal elections. Polling places are managed by county boards of registrars and typically open from 7 AM to 7 PM on Election Day.

Early and Absentee Voting:

  • Early Voting: Georgia offers early voting for three weeks before Election Day, including two Saturdays and, in some counties, Sundays.
  • Absentee Voting: All registered Georgia voters can request an absentee ballot, which must be returned by the specified deadline. Provisional ballots are available for voters whose eligibility is in question.

Election Funding:

  • Federal Funding: HAVA provides funds for modernizing election systems and improving voting access.
  • State and Local Funding: Most funding for elections comes from state and local governments, covering costs like staffing polling places and maintaining voting equipment.