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Advance voting period begins Monday

Secretary of State Cathy Cox today reminded Georgians that advance voting, begins next Monday, July 12,- and will continue until close of business next Friday, July 16.- Advance voting permits any eligible Georgian to cast their vote early, in person, at their county registration office, simply as a matter of convenience and without being required to provide the traditional legal reasons necessary for absentee voting.

For several years Secretary of State Cathy Cox sought to modify Georgia election law to add more flexibility and convenience to the voting process. As a result the law now permits voters to simply visit their county voter registration office during business hours the week before the election, complete an application, and show one of the required forms of ID to vote their ballot.

“With busy family and work schedules and long commutes, thousands of Georgians find it difficult to make it to the polls between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day. Yet many don’t meet the traditional requirements of absentee voting,” said Secretary Cox, who serves as Georgia’s chief elections official.- “Advance voting gives citizens the opportunity to cast a ballot when it is most convenient for their schedules that week.- It is a great way to reverse our long-term trend of declining voter participation and help reduce long lines at the polls.”

The General Primary is scheduled for July 20 to select Democratic and Republican candidates for the November General Election and to elect Nonpartisan judicial officials. Since Georgia does not register voters by party, the Primary is “open” and voters may request a Republican, Democratic or Nonpartisan ballot.

Absentee voting, including receiving and returning a ballot by mail, is still an option for Georgians who meet certain statutory requirements. Absentee voting is restricted to citizens who will be absent from their precinct all day on Election Day, or are 75 years of age or older, disabled or meet other specific requirements.- For more information on advance or absentee voting, voters can find the address and phone number of their county registration office on the Web at www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/elections/voter_information/2000_voter_info.asp.