Absentee ballot request forms being sent to voters

Mass mailings of absentee ballot request applications to White County voters began the week of March 30 for the May 19 primary election.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced the initiative March 24 in an effort to encourage voters to cast ballots by mail while reinforcing the social distancing public health officials are recommending during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic

Those who would like to vote by mail can fill out the absentee ballot request application, chose a preferred party and sign it. Applications can be returned to the White County Voter Registrar’s office via mail or they may be dropped off by calling 706-865-7812 since the office is currently closed to the public.

Once the form is returned, ballots will be sent to the voter within three days.

A voter’s registration must be in active status to automatically receive an application. Those who are in inactive or canceled status must request the ballot by calling the registrar’s office. Status may be checked online at sos.ga.gov/elections.

All voters will be able to choose candidates for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House, the Georgia General Assembly and local races. The Presidential Preference Primary will also be listed for voters who did not get to cast a ballot when the primary was postponed on March 14.

Ballots that were cast before the presidential primary was postponed will still be counted May 19, along with the other ballots.