Civic Engagement
Being an engaged member of your community is a task that takes a lifetime.
You are a member of many communities. These groups consist of your neighbors, colleagues, classmates, and other social units where you share common values, history, culture, or other characteristics. As a student at the University of Georgia, your education prepares you to engage fully to create meaningful change. While many individuals don’t feel responsible for their community, you can make the choice to lead and engage actively in your community.
Gold Seal Awarded to UGA
The University of Georgia was designated a Gold Seal campus for its high voting rate in the 2020 Presidential Election. This award is distributed by ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
This award is a leap from our Bronze designation from the 2016 Presidential Election, representing UGA students’ admirable commitment to voting and civic engagement.
Register to Vote
Georgia Resident Voter Registration
Visit the website for the State of Georgia’s Online Voter Registration System to check to see if you’re registered to vote, register to vote, or make changes to your current registration. The GA My Voter page also allows you to view sample ballots, check your polling location, and more.
Registering to vote by mail is easy and free. Download and complete the postage-paid voter registration application and mail it to the Secretary of State’s office. Copies of mail-in registration forms are also available for request in the Tate Student Center.
Out-of-State Resident Voting
If you are a resident of another state, use VOTE411 to find information for your home state. Learn about your voter registration options through this helpful guide for Out-of-State students from ALL IN to Vote, a nonpartisan project to support voters like you.
Voter Identification Cards
The State of Georgia offers a free Voter ID Card, issued at any county registrar’s office or any Georgia Department of Driver Services office free of charge. Review requirements to receive a Voter Identification Card on the Department of Driver Services website.
Prepare Your Plan
What's on the Ballot?
The ballot lists the items for which you can cast your vote. You are not required to make a choice for each item on the ballot. Rather, any vote you cast will be counted. If you vote in Georgia, visit the Secretary of State’s website to view a sample ballot for your county.
Create a Voting Plan
Even if you have voted before, always prepare a plan to vote. Review the checklist below.
- Research the ballot and my voting location. If you are voting by absentee ballot, what is the deadline to request it?
- Take off work and/or find childcare. What transportation can you take to your voting center?
- Check the policies in your state. What ID do you need to bring?
- Should you pack water, snacks, medication/mobility aids, an umbrella, a jacket, or any other important supplies in case there is a line or a long wait?
Cast Your Ballot
Advance Voting
Advance or Early Voting is available if it would be difficult or impossible for you to vote on Election Day. Advance Voting locations may also be less crowded! However, Advance Voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check the sites for your county to learn more.
View the Advance Voting locations for Athens-Clarke County here.
Advance Voting at Tate Student Center
Tuesday, October 29 from 7 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday, October 30 from 7 AM – 7 PM
Absentee Voting
Absentee voting is available for Georgia residents, and no excuse is required. Your ballots must be received by Election Day in order to be counted. You do not need to provide a reason to request an absentee ballot by mail. Plan early! You may request an absentee ballot as early as 180 days before an election. Return them through the mail or in person by Election Day.
If you request an Absentee Ballot, make sure you follow the instructions, avoid liquid stains, and mark inside the boxes only. Ensure all your signatures are completed before sealing. Each state has its own rules, so check the deadlines according to your state!
Absentee voting is available for Georgia residents, and no excuse is required. Your ballots must be received by Election Day in order to be counted. You do not need to provide a reason to request an absentee ballot by mail. Plan early! You may request an absentee ballot as early as 180 days before an election. Return them through the mail or in person by Election Day.
If you request an Absentee Ballot, make sure you follow the instructions, avoid liquid stains, and mark inside the boxes only. Ensure all your signatures are completed before sealing. Each state has its own rules, so check the deadlines according to your state!
Election Day
Election Day is set as the “Tuesday after the first Monday in November” each year, and will occur between November 2 and November 8. There should be various polling locations in your local area. If you did not vote using one of the above methods, you can vote on Election Day if registered!
You can also opt in to receive election reminders from TurboVote to ensure you practice your right to vote in each election.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to vote?
- If you are 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen, you are eligible to vote in local, state, and federal elections. You must not be serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude.
- You are required to have a valid photo ID, including a driver’s license, passport, or voter identification card.
When can I register to vote?
- Anytime! Just make sure to register by the deadline in your state to be eligible to vote in the next election.
When are polling stations open?
Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election day. Advance Voting times vary by state, so check your election office portal to confirm, and make a plan in advance.
Can I use my UGA ID to register in Georgia?
If you are voting in the state of Georgia, your My ID counts as a valid photo ID for in-person voting. You will need a federal photo identification card to register to vote.
Does registering to vote negatively affect any other registrations?
Registering to vote does not affect your federal financial aid, status as a dependent on your parent’s taxes, out-of-state tuition (if you are registering in Georgia), or car registration.
Can I list a P.O. box address?
No, you must list your physical address for your current home, apartment, condo, or residence hall. This address will determine the county which you are officially registered to vote in.
2024 Election Dates – Georgia
- February 19 – March 8, 2024 – Early voting for Presidential Preference
- March 12, 2024 – Election Day: Presidential Preference Primary
- April 29 – May 17, 2024: Early voting for General Primary Election, Nonpartisan General Election, Special Election
- May 21, 2024 – Election Day: General Primary / Nonpartisan Election
- June 8 – June 14, 2024 – Early voting for General Primary Runoff, Nonpartisan General Election, Special Election
- June 18, 2024– Election Day: General Primary / Nonpartisan Election Runoff / General Election Runoff for Federal Offices
- October 16 – November 3, 2024 – Early voting for General Special Election
- November 5, 2024 – Election Day: General Election
- November 20 – November 29, 2024 – Early voting for General Special Election Runoff
- December 3, 2024 – Election Day: General Election Runoff / General Election Runoff for Federal Offices
Practice Civic Engagement
Voting is just the start of creating a better future! Civic engagement also includes learning more about your community, its needs, and your neighbors. A great way to engage is by volunteering, and practicing leadership skills while learning about issues which affect your community.
Volunteer in your Community
Find a volunteer opportunity through Serve UGA, Engage Georgia, viewing service projects on the Involvement Network, or by contacting Engagement, Leadership, and Service.
Develop Leadership Skills
Being able to disagree with someone else while remaining civil is a foundational skill for creating change anywhere. Learn important skills like this through ELS’s leadership programs.
