reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 5 - PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY (§§ 21-2-190 — 21-2-200) › Section 21-2-200 - Applicability of general primary provisions; form of ballot

A presidential preference primary shall be conducted, insofar as practicable, pursuant to this chapter respecting general primaries, except as otherwise provided in this article. In setting up the form of the ballot, the Secretary of State shall provide for designating the name of the candidate to whom a candidate for delegate or delegate alternate is pledged, if any.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 6 - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS (§§ 21-2-210 — 21-2-236) › Section 21-2-210 - Secretary of State deemed the chief state election official

The Secretary of State is designated as the chief state election official to coordinate the responsibilities of this state under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (P.L. 103-31) as required by
52 U.S.C. Section 20509
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 6 - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS (§§ 21-2-210 — 21-2-236) › Section 21-2-211 - List of registered electors; provision of equipment to access and utilize list

(a)
The Secretary of State shall establish and maintain a list of all eligible and qualified registered electors in this state which shall be the official list of electors for use in all elections in this state conducted under this title.
(b)
(1)
As used in this subsection, the term "equipment" shall include, but not be limited to, computer hardware; computer software; modems, controllers, and other data transmission devices; data transmission lines; scanners and other digital imaging devices; and printers.
(2)
The Secretary of State is authorized to procure and provide all of the necessary equipment to permit the county boards of registrars to access and utilize the official list of electors maintained by the Secretary of State pursuant to this Code section, provided that funds are specifically appropriated by the General Assembly for that purpose.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 6 - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS (§§ 21-2-210 — 21-2-236) › Section 21-2-213 - County deputy registrars; clerical help; appointment of county officer or employee as chief deputy registrar

(a)
The board of registrars in each county may appoint deputy registrars to aid them in the discharge of their duties. The number of deputy registrars appointed to serve shall be determined by the board of registrars. Such deputy registrars shall serve without compensation unless the governing authority of the county, by resolution, authorizes compensation. In appointing deputy registrars, the registrars shall select persons who are reasonably representative of a cross section of significantly identifiable groups of the communities or areas where they are to serve.
(b)
The board of registrars in each county may hire clerical help to assist them in their duties if the compensation required therefor has been first approved by the governing authority of the county. Such additional clerks shall be eligible to be appointed as deputy registrars for the purpose of registering voters and performing other duties as may be required, but it shall not be necessary for such clerks to be electors of the county in which employed.
(c)
In every county wherein the registrars do not maintain an office which is open and staffed during regular business hours, the registrars shall designate and appoint as chief deputy registrar a full-time county officer or employee for the purpose of registering eligible electors and performing other duties as may be required by the board of registrars. The governing authority of the county shall provide for the compensation of the chief deputy registrar in an amount not less than $349.60 per month. The name, business address, telephone number, and any other pertinent information relative to the chief deputy registrar shall be forwarded by the registrars to the Secretary of State's office, where such information shall be maintained on file.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 310,§ 8, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 649,§ 10, eff. 7/1/2006.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 291, § 16, eff. 1/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 6 - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS (§§ 21-2-210 — 21-2-236) › Section 21-2-213.1 - Monthly contingent expense allowance for the operation of the office of the board of registrars

In addition to any salary, fees, or expenses now or hereafter provided by law, the governing authority of each county is authorized to provide as contingent expenses for the operation of the office of the board of registrars, and payable from county funds, a monthly expense allowance for each registrar of not less than the amount fixed in the following schedule:
Population
Minimum Monthly Expenses
0
-
11,889
.........................
$ 100.00
11,890
-
74,999
.........................
200.00
75,000
-
249,999
.........................
300.00
250,000
-
499,999
.........................
400.00
500,000
or more
.........................
500.00
Added by 2001 Ga. Laws 291, § 17, eff. 1/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 6 - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS (§§ 21-2-210 — 21-2-236) › Section 21-2-220.1 - Required documentation for voter registration

(a)
Any person applying to register to vote shall provide his or her Georgia driver's license number or identification card number for an identification card issued pursuant to Article 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 40 on the voter registration application. If a person does not have a Georgia driver's license or identification card issued pursuant to Article 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 40, such person shall provide the last four digits of his or her social security number on the voter registration application. If a person does not have a Georgia driver's license, a Georgia identification card issued pursuant to Article 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 40, or a social security number, the person shall affirm this fact in the manner prescribed in the voter registration application upon penalty of law and such application shall be processed without regard to the procedures outlined in subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this Code section.
(b)
In the event that the name, driver's license number, social security number, or date of birth provided by the person registering to vote on the voter registration form does not match information about the applicant on file at the Department of Driver Services or the federal Social Security Administration, the applicant shall nevertheless be registered to vote but shall be required to produce proof of his or her identity to a county registrar, a deputy county registrar, a poll manager, or a poll worker at or before the time that such applicant requests a ballot for the first time in any federal, state, or local election.
(c)
Proof of the applicant's identity as set forth in subsection (b) of this Code section shall be the forms of identification listed in subsection (c) of Code Section
21-2-417
.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 24,§ 6, eff. 4/2/2019.
Added by 2017 Ga. Laws 250,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 6 - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS (§§ 21-2-210 — 21-2-236) › Section 21-2-223 - Mail voter registration application forms

(a)
The Secretary of State shall design, publish, and distribute voter registration application forms with which a person may apply to register to vote by completing and mailing the form to the Secretary of State or to the board of registrars of the person's county of residence. The Secretary of State shall forward the applications that he or she receives to the appropriate county board of registrars to determine the eligibility of the applicant and, if found eligible, to add the applicant's name to the list of electors and to place the applicant in the correct precinct and voting districts.
(b)
The county boards of registrars shall obtain and maintain a supply of mail voter registration application forms for distribution and for voter registration. In addition, each state, county, and municipal office, except an office which is a designated voter registration office under Code Section
21-2-222
, which has regular contact with the public shall obtain a supply of mail voter registration application forms from the Secretary of State and make such applications available for use by citizens to register to vote.
(c)
The mail voter registration application forms shall be made available through governmental and private entities with particular emphasis on making such forms available for organized voter registration programs.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 632,§ 9, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 6 - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS (§§ 21-2-210 — 21-2-236) › Section 21-2-225.1 - Confidentiality of address of registered electors; term of request; procedure

(a)
Any registered elector in this state who has obtained a protective order under Code Section
19-13-4
or under a similar provision of law in another state or who has obtained a restraining order or protective order under Code Section
16-5-94
or under a similar provision of law in another state may request the board of registrars of such elector's county of residence to make such elector's residence address confidential. An elector who is a bona fide resident of a family violence shelter, as defined in Code Section
19-13-20
, may request to have his or her address made confidential without having to obtain a restraining order or protective order.
(b)
Upon the filing of a request with an affidavit under oath with the board of registrars by a registered elector stating that the elector has obtained a protective order under Code Section
19-13-4
or similar provision of law from another state or a restraining order or protective order under Code Section
16-5-94
or a similar provision of law of another state or, if the elector is a resident of a family violence shelter, a certification by the operators of such family violence shelter that such elector is a bona fide resident of such shelter, the registrars shall immediately review such request and supporting documents and, if such request and documentation is sufficient, shall approve the request and immediately take such steps as necessary to make the residence address of the elector confidential.
(c)
A request under this Code section, once approved, shall be effective for a period of four years following its approval by the registrars and may be renewed for additional four-year periods by the filing of a new request with the supporting documentation required by subsection (b) of this Code section prior to the end of each four-year period. If the elector registers to vote in another county in this state or another state, a new request for confidentiality of the elector's residence address with the supporting documentation required in subsection (b) of this Code section shall be filed with the new county in order to continue the confidentiality of the elector's residence address or the confidentiality shall terminate.
(d)
The Secretary of State shall provide by procedure, rule, or regulation for the mechanism by which such information shall be made confidential on the voter registration data base and may provide for forms for use in making such requests and for the use of alternate addresses for electors who file requests for the confidentiality of their residence addresses.
(e)
Information made confidential pursuant to this Code section shall not be subject to disclosure under Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 79,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 6 - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS (§§ 21-2-210 — 21-2-236) › Section 21-2-227 - Duty of registrars to furnish list of electors for elections held in governmental subdivisions

Whenever the authority of a governmental subdivision within a county who is charged with the responsibility of holding elections shall request the board of registrars of the county to furnish a list of electors qualified to vote in the election involved and residing within the limits of such subdivision, it shall be the duty of the board of registrars to prepare promptly and furnish such a list at no charge.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 6 - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS (§§ 21-2-210 — 21-2-236) › Section 21-2-232 - Removal of elector's name from list of electors

(a)
An elector may request to have such elector's name removed from the list of electors by making a written request to the registrars of such elector's county of residence. Upon receipt of such request, the registrars shall remove such elector's name from the list of electors and shall confirm such removal by written notice by first-class mail sent to the address on the elector's registration records.
(b)
(1)
When an elector of this state moves to another state and registers to vote and the registration officials in such state send a notice of cancellation reflecting the registration of the elector in the other state, which includes a copy of such elector's voter registration application bearing the elector's signature, the Secretary of State or the board of registrars, as the case may be, shall remove such elector's name from the list of electors. It shall not be necessary to send a confirmation notice to the elector in such circumstances.
(2)
When an elector of this state moves to another state and the registration officials in such other state or a nongovernmental entity as described in subsection (d) of Code Section
21-2-225
send a notice of cancellation or other information indicating that the elector has moved to such state but such notice or information does not include a copy of such elector's voter registration application in such other state bearing the elector's signature, the Secretary of State or the board of registrars, as the case may be, shall send a confirmation notice to the elector as provided in Code Section
21-2-234
.
(3)
Once becoming a member of the nongovernmental entity described in subsection (d) of Code Section
21-2-225
, the Secretary of State shall obtain regular information from such entity regarding electors who may have moved to another state, died, or otherwise become ineligible to vote in Georgia. The Secretary of State shall use such information to conduct list maintenance on the list of eligible electors.
Amended by 2023 Ga. Laws 353,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 9,§ 17, eff. 3/25/2021.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 24,§ 10, eff. 4/2/2019.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 6 - REGISTRATION OF VOTERS (§§ 21-2-210 — 21-2-236) › Section 21-2-236 - Periods of retention of registration cards, applications, and records of list maintenance activities; rules and regulations regarding safekeeping and maintenance of electronic records

(a)
The voter registration cards of electors whose names appear on either the official list of electors or the list of inactive electors shall be retained on file as long as the elector remains on such lists and for a period of two years following the removal from the lists; provided, however, that an original voter registration card may be destroyed if an image of the face of the card is stored electronically.
(b)
The registration applications of persons whose applications were rejected and all related material and records, or electronic facsimiles thereof, shall be retained on file for a period of two years after the date of the rejection.
(c)
All records concerning list maintenance activities under Code Sections
21-2-233
and
21-2-234
shall be maintained for a period of two years and shall be available for public inspection and copying, except to the extent that such records relate to a declination to register to vote or to the identity of a voter registration agency through which any particular elector is registered. Such records shall contain the name and address of all electors to whom confirmation notices are sent and information concerning whether each such elector has responded to such notice.
(d)
The State Election Board shall adopt rules and regulations regarding the safekeeping and maintenance of electronic records of voter registration records maintained under this Code section.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 719,§ 21, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 7 - PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES (§§ 21-2-260 — 21-2-270) › Section 21-2-260 - Designation of precincts

(a)
Each election district existing as of December 31, 1982, shall constitute a separate precinct until and unless changed as provided in this article.
(b)
The governing authority of each municipality shall determine and establish the number and boundaries of municipal voting precincts in accordance with the provisions of this article. Insofar as practicable, the precincts shall be the same as those for state and county elections.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 7 - PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES (§§ 21-2-260 — 21-2-270) › Section 21-2-261 - Change in boundaries of precinct; creation of new precincts

(a)
The superintendent of a county or the governing authority of a municipality may, as provided in Code Section
21-2-262
, divide or redivide any precinct in that county or municipality into two or more precincts of compact and contiguous territory, or alter the bounds of any precinct in that county or municipality, or form a precinct out of two or more adjoining precincts or parts of precincts in that county or municipality, or consolidate adjoining precincts in that county or municipality, so as to suit the convenience of the electors and to promote the public interests.
(b)
No new precinct shall be formed that shall contain less than 100 electors.
(c)
The bounds of a precinct shall not be altered on a day in which a primary or election is held, or during the period of 60 days prior to any general primary or election, or during the period of 30 days prior to any special primary or election. The superintendent of a county or the governing authority of a municipality shall promptly notify the board of registrars of any change in the bounds of precincts.
(d)
Any precinct established or altered under the provisions of this article must conform with the requirements of subsection (a) of Code Section
21-2-261.1
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 7 - PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES (§§ 21-2-260 — 21-2-270) › Section 21-2-261.1 - Boundary requirements for precincts

(a)
All voting precincts established or altered under the provisions of this article shall consist of areas which are bounded on all sides only by:
(1)
Visible features which are readily distinguishable upon the ground (such as streets, railroad tracks, streams, lakes, and ridges) and which are indicated upon official Department of Transportation maps, current census maps, city or county planning maps, official municipal maps, official county maps, or any combination of such maps;
(2)
The boundaries of public parks;
(3)
The boundaries of public school grounds;
(4)
The boundaries of churches;
(5)
The boundaries of counties and incorporated municipalities; or
(6)
The boundaries of restricted access residential communities.
(b)
The superintendent of a county or the governing authority of a municipality shall notify the board of registrars within ten days after such changes are adopted.
(c)
The superintendent of a county or the governing authority of a municipality shall file with the Secretary of State and the Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office:
(1)
A map reflecting any changes in precincts within 20 days after the changes are made;
(2)
A copy of any communications to or from the United States Department of Justice relating to any precincts within 20 days after such communication is sent or received;
(3)
A copy of any pleading initiating a court action potentially affecting any precincts within 30 days after it is filed;
(4)
A copy of any court order affecting any precincts within 20 days after it is entered;
(5)
For precincts that use the boundaries of a restricted access residential community, a map clearly delineating the boundaries of the community and clearly depicting the streets contained within such community and a list of the streets within such community and the address ranges of such streets; and
(6)
Any other documentation necessary to allow the Secretary of State to maintain a current listing of all precincts in this state.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 91,§ 1, eff. 4/30/2013.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 7 - PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES (§§ 21-2-260 — 21-2-270) › Section 21-2-263 - Reduction in size of, or provision of additional voting equipment or poll workers to, precincts containing more than 2,000 electors when voting in such precincts at previous general election not completed one hour after closing of polls

(a)
If, at the previous general election, a precinct contained more than 2,000 electors and if all those electors desiring to vote had not completed voting one hour following the closing of the polls, the superintendent shall either reduce the size of said precinct so that it shall contain not more than 2,000 electors in accordance with the procedures prescribed by this chapter for the division, alteration, and consolidation of precincts no later than 60 days before the next general election or provide additional voting equipment or poll workers, or both, before the next general election. For administering this Code section, the chief manager of a precinct which contained more than 2,000 electors at the previous general election shall submit a report thereof, under oath, to the superintendent as to the time required for completion of voting by all persons in line at the time the polls were closed. Any such change in the boundaries of a precinct shall conform with the requirements of subsection (a) of Code Section
21-2-261.1
.
(b)
If, at the previous general election, a precinct contained more than 2,000 electors and if electors desiring to vote on the day of the election had to wait in line for more than one hour before checking in to vote, the superintendent shall either reduce the size of such precinct so that it shall contain not more than 2,000 electors in accordance with the procedures prescribed by this chapter for the division, alteration, and consolidation of precincts no later than 60 days before the next general election or provide additional voting equipment or poll workers, or both, before the next general election. For administering this Code section, the chief manager of a precinct which contained more than 2,000 electors at the previous general election shall submit a report thereof to the superintendent of the reported time from entering the line to checking in to vote. Such wait time shall be measured no fewer than three different times throughout the day (in the morning, at midday, and prior to the close of polls) and such results shall be recorded on a form provided by the Secretary of State. Any such change in the boundaries of a precinct shall conform with the requirements of subsection (a) of Code Section
21-2-261.1
.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 9,§ 18, eff. 3/25/2021.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 240,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 7 - PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES (§§ 21-2-260 — 21-2-270) › Section 21-2-264 - Reimbursement of counties and municipalities for costs incurred pursuant to alteration of precinct boundaries

In all cases of the division, redivision, alteration, formation, or consolidation of precincts, the costs of the proceedings shall be paid by the county or municipal governing authority, as appropriate. There may be appropriated to the Secretary of State funds to be granted to counties or municipalities for purposes of meeting the requirements of Code Section
21-2-261.1
. Upon the filing of a written request by the election officials of any qualified county or municipality, a qualified county or municipality shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred by such county or municipality which are directly related to the redrawing of voting precinct boundaries, verification of voting precinct residency, notification of voter precinct and polling place changes, and compilation and preparation of the electors list as necessitated by Code Section
21-2-261.1
; provided, however, that such reimbursement of costs shall not exceed 25¢ per registered voter whose name appeared on such county's or municipality's electors list as of January 1, 1982. Any qualified county or municipality seeking reimbursement of such costs shall present an itemized description of such costs to the Secretary of State. If the Secretary of State, after a review of the report of such costs incurred by a county or municipality, shall find that all or portions of such costs were reasonable and were directly related to the preparation of such descriptions and lists, he or she shall approve all of those parts of the costs deemed reasonable and shall reimburse the counties or municipalities for such expenses. Any state funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this Code section shall come only from those funds appropriated to the Secretary of State specifically for the purpose of implementing the provisions of Code Section
21-2-261.1
. If such funds are not sufficient to bear completely the cost of fully implementing the provisions of Code Section
21-2-261.1
, payment to the counties or municipalities seeking assistance shall be made on a pro rata basis subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 452,§ 1, eff. 4/14/2006.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 53,§ 30, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 7 - PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES (§§ 21-2-260 — 21-2-270) › Section 21-2-267 - Polling places - Equipment; arrangement; storage

(a)
The governing authority of each county and municipality shall provide and the superintendent shall cause all rooms used as polling places to be provided with suitable heat and light and, in precincts in which ballots are used, with a sufficient number of voting compartments or booths with proper supplies in which the electors may conveniently mark their ballots, with a curtain, screen, or door in the upper part of the front of each compartment or booth so that in the marking thereof they may be screened from the observation of others. A curtain, screen, or door shall not be required, however, for the self-contained units used as voting booths in which direct recording electronic (DRE) voting units or electronic ballot markers are located if such booths have been designed so as to ensure the privacy of the elector. When practicable, every polling place shall consist of a single room, every part of which is within the unobstructed view of those present therein and shall be furnished with a guardrail or barrier closing the inner portion of such room, which guardrail or barrier shall be so constructed and placed that only such persons as are inside such rail or barrier can approach within six feet of the ballot box and voting compartments, or booths, or voting machines, as the case may be. The ballot box and voting compartments or booths shall be so arranged in the voting room within the enclosed space as to be in full view of those persons in the room outside the guardrail or barrier. The voting machine or machines shall be placed in the voting rooms within the enclosed space so that, unless its construction shall otherwise require, the ballot labels on the face of the machine can be plainly seen by the poll officers when the machine is not occupied by an elector. In the case of direct recording electronic (DRE) voting units or electronic ballot markers, the devices shall be arranged in such a manner as to ensure the privacy of the elector while voting on such devices, to allow monitoring of the devices by the poll officers while the polls are open, and to permit the public to observe the voting without affecting the privacy of the electors as they vote.
(b)
The superintendent, unless otherwise provided by law, may make such arrangements as he or she deems proper for the storage of election equipment in the various precincts of the county or municipality at such times of the year that it will not be used for election purposes and may fix reasonable compensation therefor.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 24,§ 15, eff. 4/2/2019.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 53,§ 31, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 209, § 25, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 7 - PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES (§§ 21-2-260 — 21-2-270) › Section 21-2-268 - Compensation for rent, heat, light, and janitorial services

The superintendent or county or municipal governing authority shall fix the compensation for rent, heat, light, and janitorial services to be paid for the use of polling places for primaries and elections; provided, however, that no compensation for rent, heat, or light shall be paid in the case of schoolhouses, municipal buildings or rooms, or other public buildings used as polling places.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 53,§ 32, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 7 - PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES (§§ 21-2-260 — 21-2-270) › Section 21-2-269 - Construction of rooms for use as temporary polling places

If, in any precinct, no proper polling place can be obtained, the superintendent shall cause to be constructed for such precinct a temporary room of adequate size to be used as a polling place.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 7 - PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES (§§ 21-2-260 — 21-2-270) › Section 21-2-270 - County-wide polling place in certain run-off primaries

(a)
This Code section shall apply to a run-off primary held in a county where:
(1)
No run-off election is to be held for election of any candidate who is elected at a nonpartisan election;
(2)
A run-off primary is to be held for nomination of one or more candidates who are nominated by one political party for election to the United States House of Representatives or to an office elected by the voters of the entire state; and no run-off primary is to be held for any candidate who is nominated by any other political party or any candidate who is nominated for election other than to the United States House of Representatives or to an office elected other than by the voters of the entire state; and
(3)
Fewer than 1 percent of the county's registered voters voted at the primary of the political party by which a candidate or candidates are to be nominated at the run-off primary.
(b)
In any case to which this Code section applies, only one polling place shall be required to be open in the county at the run-off primary; and such polling place shall be the polling place for the precinct wherein the county courthouse is located. Any voter who is otherwise eligible to vote in such run-off primary shall be entitled to vote in said run-off primary at said single polling place. If the superintendent determines that a single polling place is insufficient, all polling places within the county shall be open.
(c)
In any case in which only one polling place is to be utilized pursuant to this Code section, the superintendent shall cause an advertisement to be published once a week for two weeks immediately preceding the run-off primary. Such advertisement shall be in substantially the following form:
"At the run-off primary to be held in __________________ County on
(date)
for the nomination of candidates of the __________________ Party, only one polling place shall be open and such polling place will be located at __________________. Any voter who desires to vote in such run-off primary must vote at said polling place and no other polling places will be open for the run-off primary."
(d)
The superintendent shall also cause a copy of such notice to be prominently posted at each polling place in the county on the date of the run-off primary and on each of the 14 days immediately preceding the date of the run-off primary. The superintendent shall also request the news media to provide news coverage of the fact that all persons desiring to vote at the run-off primary must vote at said single polling place.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 166, § 15, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-280 - Requirement as to conduct of primaries and elections by ballot; requirement as to use of official ballots only

All primaries and elections in this state shall be conducted by ballot, except when voting machines are used as provided by law. A ballot may be electronic or printed on paper. All ballots used in any primary or election shall be provided by the superintendent or municipal governing authority in accordance with this article, and only official ballots furnished by the superintendent or governing authority shall be cast or counted in any primary or election in any precinct in which ballots are used.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 53,§ 33, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 769, § 2-2, eff. 4/1/2003
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-281 - Voting by paper ballot when use of voting equipment impossible or impracticable

In any primary or election in which the use of voting equipment is impossible or impracticable, for the reasons set out in Code Section
21-2-334
, the primary or election may be conducted by paper ballot in the manner provided in Code Section
21-2-334
.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 769, § 2-3, eff. 4/1/2003
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-282 - [Repealed] Voting by paper ballot when use of vote recorders impossible or impracticable

Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 769, § 2-4, eff. 4/1/2003
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-283 - Printing and safekeeping of ballots and labels by superintendent

In any primary or election, the superintendent or municipal governing authority shall cause all the ballots and ballot labels to be printed accurately and in the form prescribed by this chapter, and the superintendent or municipal governing authority shall be responsible for the safekeeping of the same while in his or her or its possession or that of his or her or its agent. The superintendent or municipal governing authority shall keep a record of the number of official ballots printed and furnished to each precinct at each primary and election and the number of stubs, unused ballots, and canceled ballots subsequently returned therefrom.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 452,§ 1, eff. 4/14/2006.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 53,§ 34, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-284.1 - Nonpartisan municipal primary ballot form

In the case of nonpartisan municipal primaries, the form of the official nonpartisan primary ballot shall conform insofar as practicable to the form of the official primary ballot as detailed in Code Section
21-2-284
including the printing of the name and designation of the precinct on the top of the ballot, except that:
(1)
The following shall be printed at the top of each ballot in prominent type:
"OFFICIAL NONPARTISAN PRIMARY BALLOT OF
__________________
(Name of Municipality)";
(2)
There shall be no name or designation of any political organization nor any words, designation, or emblems descriptive of a candidate's political affiliation printed under or after any candidate's name which is printed on the ballot; and
(3)
The incumbency of a candidate seeking election for the public office he or she then holds shall be indicated on the ballot.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 9,§ 20B, eff. 3/25/2021.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 53,§ 35, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 769, § 2-6, eff. 4/1/2003
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 166, §16, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-286 - Printing specifications, numbering, and binding of ballots

(a)
In any primary or election, the superintendent shall cause the ballots to be printed in the form prescribed by this chapter.
(b)
(1)
Paper ballots other than those printed for optical scanning voting systems shall be at least six inches long and four inches wide and shall have a margin extending beyond any printing thereon. They shall be printed with the same kind of type, which shall not be smaller than the size known as "brevier" or "eight-point body," upon white paper of uniform quality, without any impression or mark to distinguish one from another, and with sufficient thickness to prevent the printed matter from showing through, except that ballots being used in primaries held by more than one party may be of different colors or may have colored stripes or blocks to distinguish the ballots if the parties so agree. Each ballot shall be attached to a name stub, and all the ballots for the same precinct shall be bound together in books of 25, 50, or 100, in such manner that each ballot may be detached from its stub and removed separately. The ballots for each party to be used at a primary shall be bound separately. The name stubs of the ballots shall be consecutively numbered; and, in the case of primary ballots, the number shall be preceded by an initial or abbreviation designating the party name. The number and initial or abbreviation which appears upon the stub shall also be printed in the upper portion of the front of the ballot, separated from the remainder of the ballot by a horizontal perforated line so as to constitute a number strip and so prepared that the upper portion of the front of the ballot containing the number may be detached from the ballot before it is deposited in the ballot box. The number strip on the ballot shall also have the following words printed thereon: "Tear off before depositing ballot in ballot box."
(2)
Ballots for direct recording electronic voting systems shall be designed as prescribed by the Secretary of State to ensure easy reading by electors.
(3)
Ballots printed by an electronic ballot marker shall be designed as prescribed by the Secretary of State to ensure ease of reading by electors, provided that each ballot shall have the name and designation of the precinct printed at the top.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 9,§ 21A, eff. 3/25/2021.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 24,§ 16, eff. 4/2/2019.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 209, § 26, eff. 7/1/2003.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 769, § 2-9, eff. 4/1/2003
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-287 - Form of absentee ballot

The form for the absentee ballot shall be in substantially the same form as the official ballots used in the precincts, except it shall be printed with only the name stub and without a number strip and shall have the precinct name and designation printed or stamped thereon.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 9,§ 21B, eff. 3/25/2021.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 209, § 27, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-288 - Procedure as to printing of ballots when candidates for same nomination or office have same or similar names

If two or more candidates for the same nomination or office shall have the same or similar names, the Secretary of State, in the case of federal or state offices, the superintendent of elections, in the case of county offices, or the official with whom such candidates qualify, in the case of municipal elections, shall print or cause to be printed the residence of all candidates for such nomination or office on the ballot under their names. The designated official shall determine whether the names of the candidates are of such a similar nature as to warrant printing the residence of all candidates for that office on the ballot; and the decision of the designated official shall be conclusive.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-289 - Printing on ballots of names of substitute candidates

As soon as any substitute candidate has been duly nominated by his or her political party or body pursuant to Code Section
21-2-134
, at any time prior to the day on which the printing of ballots is started, his or her name shall be substituted in place of that of the candidate who has died, withdrawn, or been disqualified.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-290 - Superintendent to provide number of ballots equal to number of registered electors in precinct

The superintendent shall provide, for each precinct in which a primary or election is to be held, a sufficient number of ballots equal to the number of active registered electors.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 164, § 9, eff. 4/18/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-291 - Procedure as to unopposed candidates

Any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event there is no opposed candidate in a precinct in a special or general election, no special or general election shall be held in such precinct unless a write-in candidate has qualified as provided by law or unless there are issues to be submitted to the electorate. Except as provided in Code Section
21-2-158
, each such unopposed candidate shall be deemed to have voted for himself or herself. Where feasible, the superintendent shall provide notice reasonably calculated to inform the affected electorate that no special or general election is to be conducted. The superintendent shall certify such unopposed candidate as elected in the same manner as he or she certifies other candidates as elected pursuant to Code Section
21-2-493
.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 632,§ 15, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by 2001SP Ga. Laws 2EX10, § 5, eff. 9/26/2001.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 165, §21, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-292 - Duty of superintendent to have forms of ballots on file for public inspection prior to election

The superintendent shall have on file in his or her office open to public inspection, at least five days prior to the day of holding each primary and election, forms of the ballots, with the names and such statements and notations printed thereon as may be required by this chapter. Such forms shall be used in each precinct within the county or municipality.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-293 - Correction of mistakes and omissions on ballot

(a)
If the election superintendent discovers that a mistake or omission has occurred in the printing of official ballots or in the programming of the display of the official ballot on DRE voting equipment or electronic ballot markers for any primary or election, the superintendent is authorized on his or her own motion to take such steps as necessary to correct such mistake or omission if the superintendent determines that such correction is feasible and practicable under the circumstances; provided, however, that the superintendent gives at least 24 hours' notice to the Secretary of State and any affected candidates of the mistake or omission prior to making such correction.
(b)
When it is shown by affidavit that a mistake or omission has occurred in the printing of official ballots or in the programming of the display of the official ballot on DRE voting equipment or electronic ballot markers for any primary or election, the superior court of the proper county may, upon the application of any elector of the county or municipality, require the superintendent to correct the mistake or omission or to show cause why he or she should not do so.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 24,§ 17, eff. 4/2/2019.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 250,§ 14, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 7,§ 1, eff. 2/23/2017.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8 - VOTING BY PAPER BALLOT (§§ 21-2-280 — 21-2-294) › Section 21-2-294 - Responsibility of superintendent for recording number of ballots furnished and number of stubs, unused ballots, and canceled ballots returned

The superintendent shall keep a record of the number of official ballots printed and furnished to each precinct at each primary and election and of the number of stubs, unused ballots, and canceled ballots subsequently returned therefrom.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 21 - ELECTIONS (§§ 21-1-1 — 21-5-76) › Chapter 2 - ELECTIONS AND PRIMARIES GENERALLY (§§ 21-2-1 — 21-2-604) › Article 8A - UNIFORM ELECTION EQUIPMENT (§§ 21-2-300 — 21-2-301) › Section 21-2-301 - [Repealed] Pilot program; testing and evaluation of electronic voting systems; creation of Twenty-first Century Voting Commission

Repealed by 2003 Ga. Laws 209, § 29, eff. 7/1/2003.
Added by 2001 Ga. Laws 166.