Category: Voter Registration

Voter with ballot

Let’s End Voter Suppression

The need for HIV advocacy has never been greater as communities impacted by HIV are struggling under the burden of the COVID pandemic, a widespread overdose crisis and the compounding social and economic impacts. We have the tools to begin addressing racial and social injustices, as well as the barriers that block efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the United States — if only our leaders are willing.

On Oct. 20, Senate Republicans blocked the Freedom to Vote Act on a party-line vote. This voting rights bill has been heralded as one of the greatest expansions of access to voting in the U.S., following in the footsteps of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The bill has three major sections aimed at expanding voter access and standardizing election administration. Some key reforms include automatic voter registration at motor vehicle agencies, offering 15 days of early voting and allowing anyone to request mail-in ballots.

While this vote failed due to Republican filibuster, the bill can be brought up again at a later date. This is due to the final tally sitting at 49-51, after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer switched to a last-minute “no” vote. Doing this could allow for another vote where Vice President Kamala Harris could break a tie in the Democrats’ favor. However, a total of 60 votes are required to override the filibuster, which is currently unlikely, as it would require at least 10 Republicans voting in favor of passing the bill.

We are still in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, worsened by systemic injustices and constant crises. But we also face opportunities for grassroots HIV advocacy, and we must strive for better programming and support that can ultimately improve the quality of life for people living with and vulnerable to HIV.

The ballot is one major tool we have for advancing these policies. As dates for several midterm elections come closer, it is critical to ensure you have access to vote. If you need to update your voter registration due to a move or other life event, it is critical to do so as soon as possible. For information specific to your state, visit vote.gov

As networks of people living with HIV have shown and affirmed for decades, our federal HIV response must center the rights of all people living with and impacted by HIV to health, wellness, dignity and safety. These start with securing the right and access to vote.

Check your voter registration status and write to your Member of Congress today to demand that they take action to protect our rights and access to voting.

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Post-Pandemic Voting

How to Register to Vote in Georgia

How Do I Register To Vote?
1. Make Sure You're Eligible

To register to vote, you must:

  • Be a citizen of the United States

  • Be a legal resident of the county

  • Be at least 17 1/2 years of age to register and 18 years of age to vote

  • Not be serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude

  • Have not been found mentally incompetent by a judge

2. Submit a Voter Registration Application
Register Online

Register to vote online through the Secretary of State’s online voter registration system.

Register by Mail

Download and complete the postage-paid voter registration application and mail it to the Secretary of State’s office.

3. Check your Precinct Card

After you register, the Secretary of State will send your precinct card to your county, who will then send it to you. Your precinct card lets you know where you need to go in order to vote. It is important to note that you don’t need to bring your precinct card to vote.

If you have misplaced or have not received your precinct card within 3 to 4 weeks of submitting your voter registration application, contact your local county registration office to request a new precinct card or to check the status of your application. You can also verify that you’re properly registered to vote by visiting the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page and submitting your information.

4. Vote
  • View a list of upcoming elections and registration deadlines on the Secretary of State’s election calendar.
  • Locate your polling place by logging into the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.
  • On Election Day, polling stations open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. If you can’t vote during those times, you can either vote early or send in an absentee ballot.
  • When you arrive at your polling station, you’ll need to bring a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or voter identification card.
  • The polls offer audio ballots for voters who are blind or have low vision and booths for voters in wheelchairs. If you need help with your ballot, you can ask a family member or friend to come with you to the polls and fill the ballot in with your choices.
  • If you move you must file a notice of your new address in writing to your County Board of Registrar’s Office, or submit a new voter registration application.

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Why Voting Matters

The Right Question Institute’s nonpartisan “Why Vote?” resources focus on having people discover for themselves the value of voting.

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