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A Voter's Bill of Rights and Guidebook
Voter Eligibility
Legal Foundations of Voting Rights
Federal and State Laws Protecting Voting Rights in Georgia:
- Federal Laws: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) prohibits racial discrimination in voting practices and provides federal oversight in jurisdictions with histories of discrimination.
- The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) establish standards for voter registration and voting systems.
- State Laws: Georgia’s Election Code (Title 21) governs voter registration, absentee voting, and election procedures. The Georgia Voter ID Law (O.C.G.A. § 21-2-417) requires photo identification to vote in person.
Federal Statutes Ensuring Voter Protection:
- The VRA, specifically Sections 2 and 5, protect against discriminatory practices and require jurisdictions with histories of discrimination to receive federal approval before changing voting laws. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) further ensure accessible and non-discriminatory voting environments.
Eligibility Requirements in Georgia:
- U.S. citizens, Georgia residents, and individuals at least 18 years old by Election Day. Individuals with felony convictions are ineligible until completion of their sentence, including probation and parole and penalty fees associated with their felony sentence.
Voter Registration Process and Required Documents:
- Individuals can register online, by mail, or in person at designated locations. Required documents include a valid Georgia driver’s license, state ID, or other acceptable identification forms listed by the Secretary of State’s office. Georgia accepts the following identification:
- Any valid state or federal government-issued photo ID, including a free ID card issued by your county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
- A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired.
- Student ID from a PUBLIC Georgia College or University.
- Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of this state.
- Valid U.S. passport ID.
- Valid U.S. military photo ID containing a photograph of the voter.
- Valid tribal photo ID containing a photograph of the voter.
