Voting in Georgia has become much more complicated in the aftermath of the Republican backlash to losing the 2020 Presidential Election. This week on WCLK's The Local Take, I’m speaking with Nichola Hines, the League of Women Voters Atlanta-Fulton County Chapter President, about the start of the 2022 Election season. The first voter registration deadline to participate in the May 24th General primaries is Monday, April 25th. Some counties haven’t yet announced early voting dates, which are convoluted and differ by county.
I ask Hines to share what we need to know this year to ensure our vote counts. She mentions DATES, DATES, and MAPS.
Due to public safety concerns during the Pandemic, many people took advantage of voting by mail. Some folks would like to continue. One significant change is that you must request an absentee ballot every voting cycle, even if you’re a senior. Hines explains a few new rules concerning mail-in voting and what to do if you don’t receive your ballot in time. In the 2021 elections, 52% of absentee ballot requests got rejected.
She also shares that dropboxes are now only located inside specific county buildings during that building’s operating hours. Additionally, Hines shares that the number of drop boxes available in each county is limited.
Hines reminds us that redistricting has occurred since you last voted. It is essential to check your voting location before you go to vote. The earlier you vote, the better. Ealy voting ensures that you have an opportunity to work out any challenges.
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan one hundred and two-year-old organization. They host election forums to educate voters about candidates and issues throughout our community.
To access your MVP.SOS.GA.GOV page
To contact your county voting registrar
To reach theLeague of Women Voters
To check on the new laws passed by the 2022 legislature
To see a sample of your 2022 ballot