Absentee Information

Key Dates

Applying for an Absentee Ballot

Absentee ballots may be requested up to 78 days prior to an election. A completed application must first be received before an absentee ballot is issued. The deadline to receive absentee ballot applications for processing is 11 days prior to the Election Date.

Apply for an absentee ballot request in one of several ways:

Print an Absentee ballot application (English) 
Request an application at Absenteeballot@dekalbcountyga.gov
OR call 404-298-4020 to request an application to be mailed

Important information: The law on absentee ballots has changed. You may only use the official application above to request an absentee ballot. Read the application carefully. You are now required to provide either a Georgia Driver's License or Georgia ID Card number or a copy of another form of ID. 

Return your application by:

When to Expect Your Absentee Ballot

If your ballot has not arrived within 7-10 days of being mailed, it’s crucial to act. We are dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the upcoming election.

	Track Your Ballot Status - Stay informed about your mailed ballot by checking its “issued date” on the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page. This tool allows you to see when your ballot was mailed and whether it has been accepted, offering transparency and confidence throughout the process.
	Need Assistance?  Contact Us: If your ballot hasn’t arrived within 7-10 days of being mailed, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help ensure you receive your ballot in time to cast your vote.
	Vote in Person if Needed - If necessary, you can still make your voice heard by voting in person. Visit any DeKalb County Early Voting location or your assigned polling place on Election Day. You can find your designated polling site on the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.
	Checking the Status of Your Absentee Ballot - You can check the status of your absentee ballot at the Georgia Secretary of State's My Voter Page.

Returning Your Absentee Ballot

Instructions for Marking and Returning an Absentee Ballot 

We must receive your ballot by 7:00 p.m. on election day. We urge voters to mail their ballots back at least a week before election day.

MAIL:
DeKalb County Voter Registration & Elections
4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300
Decatur, GA 30032

DROP BOX: 
Drop boxes are open during Early Voting hours.
In addition to drop box locations, Absentee Ballots can also be hand-delivered to Early Voting locations without a drop box during Early Voting hours only.

After the close of Early Voting, you can still deliver your ballot by hand to the front desk of the Voter Registration and Elections office during our business hours, weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; or until 7:00 p.m. on election day.

Changed your mind and want to vote in person? No problem. As long as you have not returned your absentee ballot, you can go to your polling location and vote in person instead. If possible, bring your absentee ballot with you.

Application and Ballot Cure

If there is a problem with your absentee application, you may be issued a provisional ballot.  In order to ensure that your provisional ballot is accepted, you can return this Application Cure Affidavit. You will also receive this affidavit in the mail. You do not need to return this form if you do not have a provisional ballot.

If there is a problem with your ballot when you return it to us, it may temporarily be marked "Rejected." It is still possible to get your rejected ballot accepted, but you will need to return this Ballot Cure Affidavit. You will also receive this affidavit in the mail. You do not need to return this form if you do not have a rejected ballot.

Both forms are due by the close of business on the Friday following the election. If we have not received them by then, your ballot will not be counted.

Return your affidavit by:

Military and Overseas Voting

UOCAVA Application

For more information about military or overseas voting, contact: