Voting Resources for Seniors

You are registered to vote, aren’t you? Seniors are notoriously strong when it comes to voting turnout, and you’re probably among those who are fully prepared for the general election in November. But what if you’ve recently moved to Georgia or to a different part of the state? Or you want to change your party affiliation?

Technically, the voter registration deadline in Georgia is October 10th for the general election. However, since that Monday is a holiday, you actually have until Tuesday the 11th. Not sure if you’re properly registered? It’s easy to check your voter status.

There Are Multiple Ways to Register

Your county elections office has all the information you need to register:

• Online, using the Georgia Online Voter Registration System
• By mail, by downloading and returning the voter registration application (no postage required)
• By phone – call your county elections office or reach the State elections division at 404-656-2871
• In person, at your county elections office, a public library, or government office

Once you’re registered, you can take advantage of other voter resources. For example, here in Georgia, you can vote early (in person) anytime between October 17th and November 4th. You can do that at any designated advanced polling place, no matter where you live. Or you can wait and vote on November 8th, in which case you must vote in your precinct.

If you’re disabled and concerned about access or related voting issues, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission has a list of tips you can download.

Any voter can request an absentee ballot for a given election, but if you’re 65 or older, you can put in a standing request to always receive an absentee ballot (except for special elections). That way you can vote comfortably and conveniently at home, then drop off your ballot or just mail it in rather than having to stand in line at the polls.

You can request an absentee ballot any time within 78 days of the election, but there is also a deadline – October 28th. Don’t wait till the last minute to mail your absentee ballot, though, because it must be received by 7pm on Election Day for your vote to count. (And, yes, you’ll need a stamp.)

You Now Need ID to Vote

Legislation passed in Georgia in 2021 added ID requirements for voters. At the polls, you will have to show:

• A Georgia driver’s license (expired is OK)
• A valid U.S. passport
• Any valid photo ID card issued by the state or federal government

If you don’t have one of those, you can get a free voter ID from your county registrar’s office.

Absentee ballot applications also require a valid Georgia driver’s license, state ID card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or other approved ID.

Why Vote?

Not only are older Americans the most likely to vote, the population of older Americans is increasing. That gives seniors more power at the ballot box than ever.

Ed Goeas, a Republican pollster who teams up with Democratic consultant Celinda Lake to produce the George Washington University (GWU) Battleground poll, describes seniors as “the stability of the American electorate.” He believes, “They are the only group that looks out not only for their own well-being but the well-being of their children and grandchildren.”

Whatever your opinion and whomever you support, casting your vote is essential. It’s the American way. But it’s up to you to make it happen. “You’re not going to know whether the race will come down to a handful of votes until it’s too late to cast your vote,” says Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of the nonpartisan Inside Elections newsletter. “The best policy is just to vote.”

Magnolia Manor is Here to Help

At Magnolia Manor, we provide support for our residents any way that we can. If you need assistance with getting registered to vote or want to learn more about senior living at one of our nine senior living communities, contact us online or give us a call at 855-540-LIFE (5433).