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Here's how to vote early and register for the November election in Chatham County

The November 5 general election is still 35 days away, and that means many important dates and deadlines are approaching. The November vote will focus on the presidential election as well as local elections from the state legislature to the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.

Oct. 7 is the voter registration deadline and also the day mail-in ballots will be mailed to those who requested them.

Early in-person voting begins October 15th and runs through November 1st. Chatham County will have the most early voting locations ever due to expected high voter turnout, Collin McRae, chairman of the Chatham County Board of Registrars, said at a Sept. 25 press conference.

“We're expecting pretty high voter turnout leading up to the Nov. 5 election,” McRae predicted.

Here's everything you need to know about when and how to vote in the general election. These important details and dates can also be found on the Board of Registrars website.

Voter registration

The easiest way to check your voter registration status is to visit the Georgia Secretary of State's My Voters page. Chatham County residents can also call the Voter Registration Office at (912) 790-1520 to check their status.

Those who are not yet registered can find a voter registration application on the Board of Registrars or Secretary of State website. Prospective voters may also register in person at the Voter Registration Office at 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite E Savannah, Georgia 31406.

Eligible voters must be 18 years of age on Election Day, a U.S. citizen, and a legal resident of Georgia and the county in which they are registering. Georgia law also requires a valid Georgia driver's license or ID card issued by the Department of Driver Services to register.

The Registration deadline is still almost a week away on Monday, Oct. 7.

Early voting

There will be a total of seven early voting locations in Chatham County for the November 5 election. The early in-person voting period runs from Tuesday, October 15th through November 1st, the Friday before Election Day.

All early voting locations in Chatham County are open during the week, with three available for weekend voting. You can find the locations and opening times for early voting here:

  • Chatham County Voter Registration Appendix1117 Eisenhower Drive
    • Weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m
    • Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
    • Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m
  • Mosquito Control in Chatham County65 Billy B. Hair Drive
    • Weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
    • Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
  • Savannah Civic Center301 W. Oglethorpe St.
    • Weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
    • Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
    • Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m
  • Island Library50 Johnny Mercer Blvd.
  • Southwest Chatham Library14097 Abercorn St
  • Garden City Library104 Sunshine Road, Garden City
  • Pooler Town Hall100 US-80 SW, Pooler

Postal voting

Anyone who would like to vote by postal vote must apply for a postal vote. You can obtain application forms online or at the voter registration office. The deadline to request a postal vote is October 25, 11 days before the election.

October 7th is the first day that mail-in ballots will be mailed to those who requested them. Returns can be made in three ways: by mail to PO Box 13757, Savannah, GA 31416; by email at [email protected]; or in person at the voter's office.

Mail-in ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. McRae advises postal voters to pay attention to postal delivery times when choosing postal voting.

“Don’t plan on sending the mail the Friday before the election and expect it to arrive on time,” McRae said. “If you can, take a week to properly stamp the letter, put it in a mailbox and mail it to us.”

Evan Lasseter is the city and county government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. He can be reached at [email protected].

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