Applying for an Absentee Ballot

As of 2019, you must apply for an absentee ballot every election cycle. Election cycles are roughly one calendar year. In years when there is no Federal election (ie: President of the United States or U.S. Congress), you must apply for an absentee ballot for each election individually. If there is a Federal election on the ballot, you may opt to automatically receive absentee ballots for the remainder of the election cycle. 

The first day to request an absentee ballot application for 2026 elections is Monday, March 2, 2026. As there are Federal elections on the ballot, you may opt-in to continue receiving absentee ballots for the remainder of the 2026 regular election cycle.
Absentee ballots for the May 19 Election will be mailed out beginning April 20, 2026.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Friday, May 8, 2026.

No reason is required when requesting an absentee ballot. 

• You must complete an absentee ballot application (PDF), which you can download by clicking the link or the image. 
• Your absentee ballot application must: 
  • be in writing
  • contain the address to which the ballot is to be mailed, 
  • provide a form of identification
  • contain the date of the election in which you wish to vote
  • section 8 must contain an original signature - no e-signatures!

If you are physically disabled or living temporarily outside your county of residence, a close relative may apply for an absentee ballot for you.

Requests to vote absentee may be made no earlier than 78 days prior to the election (March 2, 2026) and no later than the 11th day before the election (May 8, 2026). The earlier your request is received the easier it is to receive your ballot and return it before Election Day. The voted ballot must be received by your county registrar no later than close of the polls on Election Day.

Georgia Military and Overseas Voters

If you are a Georgia Military and Overseas Voter please read about your special provisions. In elections where there is no Federal race on the ballot there is no electronic ballot option provided, and your requests will be treated as a civilian request. Please submit your application as soon as possible for the best chance of your ballot being received.
May 2026 Timeline for Military & Overseas Voters
January 1 - first day to request an absentee ballot application
March 31 - first day to issue ballots to overseas voters
May 8 - last day to apply for an absentee ballot
May 19 - Election Day & date by which your ballot must be received by your county registrar

How to REQUEST an Absentee Application

1. PHONE the ACC Elections Office at 706-613-3150 to request an application be mailed to you.
2. PICK-UP an application from the ACC Elections Office located at 155 E. Washington St.
3. DOWNLOAD and print the application by clicking the image above.
4. EMAIL your request to votebyabsentee@accgov.com.
5. ONLINE via the Georgia My Voter Page

How to RETURN an Absentee Application

1. MAIL: P.O. Box 1828, Athens, GA 30603
2. EMAIL: votebyabsentee@accgov.com
3. IN PERSON: 155 East Washington St, Athens, GA 30601

New Absentee Ballot ID Requirement

Georgia voters must now provide their Georgia driver's license or state ID information in order to request and return absentee ballots.

If you do not possess a Georgia driver's license or state ID, the following forms of identification may be accepted:

• military ID card
• government employee ID card
• Georgia voter ID card
• U.S. passport
• current utility bill
• bank statement
• government check

Additional information on Georgia's Absentee Voting Process is provided in the Guide for Registered Voters published by the Georgia Secretary of State's Office.