▼

Absentee By Mail - Civilians

Show All Answers

1. Who can vote absentee by mail?

Any registered voter who is eligible to vote in an election may request an absentee ballot up to 180 days preceding the election(s). The voter is not required to provide a reason but there are certain reasons that can be indicated on the application. The application is only valid for one election, unless the voter is disabled or 65 years or older.

2. How can I obtain an absentee ballot?

A completed application must first be received before an absentee ballot is issued. You may call the Elections Office at 770-830-5823 and request an application be mailed to you or you may download an application from Absentee By Mail section under Elections and Registration on this site.

3. How do I return my absentee by mail application?

* Personally deliver to Elections Office
* Fax to 770-214-3594
* Mail to Elections P.O. Box 338 Carrollton, GA 30112 or
* Scan completed and signed application email to elections@carrollcountyga.com

4. Can a relative of a disabled voter make an application for absentee ballot for the disabled voter?

An adult relative of a disabled voter residing inside the county may apply for an absentee ballot, but shall not vote for the disabled voter. The disabled box on the application must be checked, and the relative making application must sign the application appropriately.

5. What if a child is away at college?

An adult relative may apply for an absentee ballot but shall not vote for a voter who is temporarily residing outside of Carroll County. The relative requesting ballot must sign application appropriately. The college student may download the application and return completed application by mail, fax, or email.

6. What is the deadline for absentee by mail applications?

The last day for the Elections Office to accept completed absentee by mail applications is 3:00pm on the Friday before the election. All applications will be processed in order received. The Elections Office does not recommend trying to vote by mail the last week prior to the election as ballots cannot be guaranteed for delivery.

7. How often do you have to apply for an absentee by mail ballot?

A new application must be submitted each year. Georgia does not have a permanent absentee voter status. In the case of a Presidential Preference Primary or any Special Election a separate and distinct application must be made for each election. (Military and Overseas Citizens are exempt).

8. How often does a disabled or 65 years or older voter apply for an absentee by mail ballot?

Disabled or 65 years or older voters may mark the designated box on the absentee application in order to receive a ballot for all elections for that year except in case of a Presidential Preference Primary or any Special Election. In those cases, a separate and distinct application must be made for each election.

9. How do I return my absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots are to be returned by mail to Elections Office, P.O. Box 338, Carrolton, GA 30112. The absentee voter may personally deliver their own ballot to the Elections Office. An adult relative may deliver an absentee ballot for a physically disabled voter and shall be required to complete and sign the Oath of Person Assisting Elector.

10. Why does a disabled voter have to sign or make a mark on absentee ballot envelope?

Georgia law requires the voter make a mark if unable to sign. If the Oath of Elector on the back of absentee ballot envelope does not have the voter's signature or mark, the ballot is rejected. A Power of Attorney or voter's stamped signature is not valid for the purpose of voting.

11. Can an absentee ballot be picked up for an individual or someone else?

No. Ballots must be mailed to the voter.

12. Can anyone return a voted absentee ballot?

No, by law only the voter themselves may return their own ballot, unless the voter is disabled. If the absentee voter is disabled then an adult relative may return the ballot for the elector. The relative must sign and complete the Oath of Person Assisting Elector on the back on the absentee envelope.

13. Can a candidate assist or return an absentee ballot for a voter?

No person whose name appears on the ballot as a candidate shall offer assistance during that election to any voter who is not related to such candidate. O.C.G.A. 21-2-409 (B)

14. What is the deadline for absentee by mail ballots?

All voted absentee by mail ballots must be received by Elections Office 7:00pm on Election Day. Any ballot received after 7:00pm on Election Day will not be counted, regardless of when the ballot was mailed or postmarked.

15. What if I have been issued and absentee by mail ballot but decide to vote at poll on Election Day?

If you have to ballot, you must surrender to the poll manager at your precinct. If you do not have the ballot you will be required to complete and sign an absentee ballot cancellation form. If your absentee ballot has been received and certified by Elections Office, your ballot cannot be cancelled and you cannot vote at your the polls.

16. The voter made a mistake on the absentee ballot. Can it be replaced?

Yes. By law, the voter must return the spoiled ballot to the Elections Office by mail or in person before a replacement can be sent. The voter should write "SPOILED" on ballot and yellow envelope and return to Elections Office.

17. I am a student attending UWG. How do I obtain an absentee ballot?

Students who are NOT registered in Carroll County but are still registered to vote in their home county must submit an absentee ballot application to their home county. Do not send absentee applications requests to Carroll County if you are not registered in Carroll County. A list of county registrar contacts is available online at www.sos.ga.gov.

18. Can voters obtain an absentee ballot on the Monday before Election Day?

No. There is no voting of any kind on the Monday before Election Day on Tuesday. The last day for the Elections Office to issue absentee by mail ballots is on the Friday before the election date at 3:00pm.

19. Can a voter turn in a voted absentee ballot at the polls to be counted?

No. All absentee by mail ballots are required to be returned by the voter to the Elections Office. If a voter drops off their voted absentee ballot at the polls the ballot will be rejected.