With early voting underway for a second week in Georgia, voters have already cast 578,539 ballots in the General Election set for November 8.
Secretary of State Brian Kemp released the numbers in a Tuesday morning press statement.
"Thanks to the efforts of the Elections Division, county election officials and Georgia voters, early voting is off to a great start at the beginning of week two," said Kemp.
Thus far, 88,025 mail-in absentee ballots and 490,514 advance in-person ballots have been cast in the November election. There are 102,320 outstanding mail-in absentee ballots.
"The numbers speak for themselves. The early voting system is working and we look forward to a smooth General Election," Kemp said.
Georgia voters can use the office’s “My Voter Page” or download the “GA SOS” app to check registration status, view a sample ballot, find their voting location, or request an absentee ballot. Voters are advised to request absentee ballots well in advance of the November 4, 2016 deadline to vote by mail in the General Election. Absentee ballots must be received by county officials on or before Election Day except for individuals entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absente e Voting Act. Under this federal law, eligible individuals' absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 8 and received within the three-day period following Election Day to be counted.
“As Georgia’s chief elections official, I want to ensure every Georgian has the opportunity to allow their voice to be heard at the polls,” said Kemp.
Advance in-person voting began on October 17. Georgia law also requires the polls to be open on Saturday, October 29 in all 159 counties for Georgians to vote in the November contests. The General Election will be held on November 8, 2016.
Throughout the advance voting period, state law requires the polls to be open during normal business hours. On Election Day, the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Kemp also encouraged Georgia voters to report any voting irregularities or complaints involving elections to the office’s Investigations Division. To submit a complaint, voters can contact the office through Secretary Kemp’s social media or use the “Stop Voter Fraud” website and hotline at (877) 725-9797. All complaints are promptly reviewed by the division’s P.O.S.T.-certified law enforcement officers, and if warranted, officers will open a formal State Election Board investigation.
