Frequently Asked Election Questions

As we move into this tremendous election year, Brande has been kind enough to allow me to blog on the Patch about election related information. Hopefully, many of you will find this information helpful; and if not helpful—occasionally interesting.

This first blog covers some basic questions we often receive in my office. In future blogs, look for more detailed information on registering to vote, absentee balloting, qualifying for office and other similar election topics.

How do I register to vote?

Complete a Voter Registration Application and submit it in person, or through the mail.  To obtain a Voter Registration Application, you may either download it from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Website, visit our office at 105 N. Bartow Street in Cartersville, or call us at (770) 387-5098 and we will be happy to mail one to you. 

The completed application may be mailed to our office at 135 W. Cherokee Ave. Suite 106, Cartersville, GA 30120, or to the Secretary of State’s Office and must be recieved or postmarked by the 30th day prior to Election Day.

You may also register to vote in person at the Library and the Department of Driver Services.

It’s been a few years since I voted, am I still registered?

To determine if you are registered to vote, and the address at which you are registered, you may visit the My Voter Page (MVP) on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website, or call us at (770) 387-5098.

My name or address has changed since the last time I voted, how do I update my information?

Simply complete a new Voter Registration Application and submit it prior February 6^th.  If you move or change your name after February 6^th, go to the same place you usually do to vote and complete Voter Registration Application while you are there.

When is the last day I may submit a Voter Registration Application for the March 6, 2012, Presidential Preference Primary?

Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or simply updating your name or address, all Voter Registration Applications must be submitted in person, or postmarked on or before Monday, February 6, 2012.

Are there any restrictions on when and where I can post political signs?

Yes, State Law requires that no campaigning (including signs, stickers, t-shirts, conversations, or anything else which may attempt to persuade a voter to vote for or against something on the ballot) take place within 150 feet of any location which is accepting voted ballots, including our office and the Civic Center during Advance Voting, and any or our Polling Places on Election Day.

Bartow County’s sign ordinance which covers the unincorporated part of the county states that election signs may not be placed in the public right of way, that signs may only be placed on private property with the permission of the property owner, and the maximum size and number of signs permitted vary by zoning district.  The restrictions on political signage by municipalities vary by municipality.  Residents who are unsure of the regulations for their zoning district are encouraged to check with the applicable city or county zoning department for more detailed information.

How can I request an Absentee Ballot through the mail?

Obtain an Absentee Ballot Application from the Secretary of State’s Website or from our office, and submit it to us via fax, email, the postal service, or in person.  Most people simply call us at (770) 387-5098 and we mail one to them.

What is the process for voting through the mail?

1. You submit a completed Absentee Ballot Application to our office.
2. We use the information on the application to determine your eligibility to vote, your identity by comparing the signature on the application to the signature we have on file for you, and what races you are entitled to vote on.
3. We send you a packet which includes your ballot, the two envelopes, instructions, and your “I Voted” sticker.
4. You mark your selections on the ballot and seal it in the white privacy envelope.  Then, you seal the white privacy envelope in the yellow mailing envelope and complete the Oath on the back. 
5. Send or hand deliver the ballot to our office before Election Day.  We must receive the ballot no later than Election Day, and ballots may only be hand delivered by the voter who marked the ballot, or if the voter is physically disabled a close family member as defined by law.  If you are unsure if your ballot may be delivered by someone else, please call us at 770-387-5098 first so we may discuss your situation.

Are Absentee Votes only counted if the results are close?

Absolutely not!  All Absentee Votes are counted and reported with the Precinct Totals on Election Night.  Votes cast prior to Election Day count exactly the same as votes cast on Election Day.

When and where can I vote in person prior to Election Day (Advanced Voting)?

Our office will be open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM starting Monday, February 13^th until Friday, March 2^nd, and will also be open on Saturday, February 25^th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 

The Cartersville Civic Center will also be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM starting Monday February 27^th until Friday, March 2^nd.

Any person who is registered to vote in Bartow County may visit either of these locations while they are open to cast their ballots.

How do I qualify for a County Office on the July 31^st General Primary Election Ballot?

1. There are different qualifications for each office, if you are unsure if you are qualified to run for an office, contact us and we can provide the qualifications to you.
2. File the proper paperwork with State Ethics before you collect any money for your campaign, or use any or your own money for a campaign related expense (besides the qualifying fee).
3. Qualify through either the Democratic or Republican Party between May 23^rd and May 25^th by submitting the required paperwork and qualifying fee for the political office you are qualifying for.

Contact Information

Bartow County Board of Elections and Voter Registration

Physical Address: 105 N. Bartow St.
Cartersville, GA 30120

Mailing Address: 135 W. Cherokee Ave., Suite 106
Cartersville, GA 30120

Phone: (770) 387-5098
Fax: (770) 606-2245
www.bartowga.org

Secretary of State’s Office
(404) 656-2871
www.sos.ga.gov 

State Ethics
(404) 463-1980
www.ethics.ga.gov 

Bartow Democratic Party
(770) 386-1379
http://www.georgiademocrat.org/
jmprince@bellsouth.net 

Bartow Republican Party
(678) 492-3182
http://www.bartowgop.com/