Early voting for local elections starts Monday in Georgia

Voters turn out at the Roswell Branch Public Library to cast ballots early in June’s 6th Congressional District special election. (Photo by Phil Skinner)

Voters turn out at the Roswell Branch Public Library to cast ballots early in June’s 6th Congressional District special election. (Photo by Phil Skinner)

Early voting starts Monday for local municipal elections being held across Georgia, culminating Nov. 7 with Election Day.

Be sure to check with your local elections office to confirm where to go cast an early ballot, since early voting locations are not the same as regular neighborhood polling places.

The municipalities are only opening select sites during the early voting period, which for many may only be the main county elections office.

How to vote early

Any registered voter can vote early.

Use the Secretary of State Office's online "my voter page" website (www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do) to find a sample ballot or specific early voting location.

You can also call your local elections office to find early voting locations or look for the "advance voting info" link under the elections tab of the Secretary of State Office's website (www.sos.ga.gov).

Don’t forget to bring photo identification, which can include a Georgia driver’s license, even if it’s expired; a state-issued voter identification card; a valid U.S. passport; or a valid U.S. military photo ID.

No “ballot selfies” are allowed at the polls, so wait to snap a photo until you’re outside. It is illegal in Georgia to take pictures of a ballot or voting equipment, but the Secretary of State Office has said it has seen voters in previous elections post “ballot selfies” on social media — something that could get you in trouble with the law.

Information about local elections and your “My Voter Page” can also be found on the free “GA SOS” app for your smartphone via iTunes or Google Play for Android.