GA voters to settle more than presidential race today

ATLANTA (AP) Here's a look at some key questions and answers for Georgia voters as they head to the polls Tuesday.

Question: What are the key races to watch?

Answer: Besides President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney at the top of the ticket, 10 of Georgia's 13 incumbent congressman face challengers, a new congressional seat in northwest Georgia will elect a 14th House member and the entire General Assembly is on the ballot.

The most interesting congressional race is in southeast Georgia's District 12, where Democratic Rep. John Barrow will try to withstand Republican challenger Lee Anderson. Republican legislators redrew the district to make it harder for Barrow, the U.S. House's only white Democrat from the Deep South, to win.

Question: Besides contested races, what is on the ballot?

Answer: There are several constitutional amendments. The most high-profile is a proposal that would allow the state to re-establish a commission that could issue charters to independent school operators. That power now rests mostly with local school boards.

The amendment pits Gov. Nathan Deal, a proponent, against his fellow Republican, state school Superintendent John Barge, who opposes the measure.

***(For a review of what's on ballots in the immediate Gainesville area, see an earlier story. Link below.)***

Question: When are the polls open?

Answer: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Any voter who is waiting in line to vote at 7 p.m. must be allowed to vote.

Question: How do I find out where to vote?

Answer: The Secretary of State's office has an online search tool: mvp.sos.state.ga.us. You may also call your local registrar or elections office.

Question Will I need an ID to vote?

Answer: Yes. The Secretary of State's office lists the following as acceptable forms of identification: A Georgia driver's license, even if expired; a voter ID card issued by a Georgia county registrar's office; any other valid state or federal government issued photo ID; Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar's office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services; a 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; valid U.S. military photo ID; or valid tribal photo ID.

Question: What if I am turned away?

Answer: You have the right to cast a provisional ballot, but must return to local elections officials within two days with proper identification to have your vote counted.

Question: Can I still register to vote?

Answer: No. Georgia does not allow same-day registration and voting.

Question: Is there anything else I should know?

Answer: If you're supporting a particular candidate, leave the buttons, T-shirts and signs at home. Georgia law bars any form of electioneering within 150 feet of a polling place.

(AccessNorthGa.com's Ken Stanford contributed to this story.)