What you need to know to vote in the Georgia general election in November

Georgia is one of the most important and sought after states for both Republicans and Democrats in November. The Peach State is considered one of the battleground states that could flip blue on Election Day, and a record number of votes are expected to be cast across the state.

Georgia's secretary of state's office says it has made it easier than ever to vote by mail, register to vote online and even request a mail-in ballot online.

To help voters and prospective voters understand changes and how to register, here are answers to common questions about this year's election:

What's the deadline for voter registration?

The cut-off date for voters to register is Oct. 5.

How can voters register?

In order to be eligible to vote, residents must register at least 30 days before an election. Once you are registered to vote, you will receive a Voter Precinct Card which lists your voting location and representative districts.

An online, printable version of a registration form can be found at bit.ly/ga-vote-form.

Voters can check on their voting status on the secretary of state's website at bit.ly/ga-sos. The website shows voter addresses, registration information, as well as directions for changing an address if you have moved.

Who can vote by mail?

Unlike Tennessee, voters do not need to have a reason to vote by mail in Georgia. Any eligible voter who is registered can request a mail-in ballot.

How do eligible voters register for mail-in ballots?

Ballots can be requested online with a new feature from the secretary of state's office, at ballotrequest.sos.ga.gov. The secretary of state's office launched the website to help handle record numbers of voters expected to cast an absentee ballot in this year's presidential election.

An online, printable version for a mail-in ballot can be also found at bit.ly/ga-print-ballot.

How do voters return mail-in ballots?

Ballots can be dropped off at county election offices or delivered by mail. Ballots can also be delivered in person on Election Day by 7 p.m., before polls close.

Family members may hand deliver a ballot for a disabled person until polls close on Election Day, but that is the only stipulation for delivering someone else's ballot. A ballot may not be handled by anyone other than the individual to whom it was issued, not even spouses.

What's the deadline to return mail-in ballots?

Mailed ballots must be at the post office by 7 p.m. on the day of the election, but because of recent delays with the postal service, it's highly recommended to get ballots in as soon as possible.

Are there any new rules or precautions at the polls for in-person voters?

More than ever, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger encourages Georgians to vote with a mail-in absentee ballot. However, you can still vote in person during early-voting periods and on Election Day. In-person voters will be instructed to maintain a safe distance when waiting to vote.

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