The Rules for Early Voting in Georgia

• In Georgia, voting rules are governed by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. AE Pictures Inc./Digital Vision/Getty Images

  In the state of Georgia, voting rules are governed by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Employers are required to give their workers up to two hours to vote on the day of an election. A voter is entitled to receive assistance at the polls if he is unable to read the English language or if he has a physical disability that renders him unable to see or mark the ballot. Also, there are a number of provisions that allow for early voting.

Registration

• Only individuals who are citizens of the United States and legal residents of Georgia qualify to register as voters in the state. Also, they must be over 18 years of age on the day of election. Those who are serving sentences through conviction of a felony are not allowed to register. In addition, people who have been determined to be mentally incapable of voting are not allowed to register.

Absentee Ballot

• A person is allowed to vote by absentee ballot if he will be out of the region from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on the election day. If he wishes to vote early, he can request an absentee ballot as early as 180 days before the election. These absentee ballots must be taken to the registrar's office on the day of the election by 7 p.m.

People of Advanced Age

• According to Georgia law, anyone 75 years or older automatically qualifies for early voting, in order to avoid long lines on voting day. The early voting process ensures they have a chance to vote.

Physical Disability

• People with physical disabilities are allowed to participate in early voting. This also applies to those rendering services to people with physical disabilities. Disabilities include, among other things, the inability to walk or blindness.

Election Officials

• Election officials play an important role in ensuring that the voting process goes on as smoothly as possible. In order for them to practice their voting rights and carry out their responsibilities during the election day, they have to vote early.

Religion

• A person may wish to exercise his voting rights, but experiences a "conflict of conscience" because election day is also a religious holiday. The law allows such a person to vote early.

Nature of Work

• An person is allowed to leave work for a few hours in order to exercise his voting rights. However, not all people have the freedom to leave their work in order to vote, such as those who protect or save lives. People who work in these crucial sectors are allowed to vote early.