Early voting begins for Georgia Public Service Commission and municipal races

Grab your ID and get ready to head to the polls: Tuesday marks the first day of early voting for the 2025 statewide and municipal election in Georgia. This year’s Nov. 4 general election is set to include candidates for two seats on the state’s five-member Public Service Commission, the body that regulates utilities like […]

Cobb County voters cast their ballots in the Public Service Commission primary election earlier this year. Amber Roldan/Georgia Recorder (file photo)

Grab your ID and get ready to head to the polls: Tuesday marks the first day of early voting for the 2025 statewide and municipal election in Georgia.

This year’s Nov. 4 general election is set to include candidates for two seats on the state’s five-member Public Service Commission, the body that regulates utilities like Georgia Power and plays an important role in deciding how much Georgians pay for services like electricity and natural gas. 

Georgia offers three weeks of early voting, which for this election will begin on Oct. 14 and conclude on Oct. 31. Early voting is offered during the week and on some Saturdays at most locations, and will also be available on Sundays in some counties.

What is on my ballot besides the PSC?

The Public Service Commission election will be the only statewide office on the ballot this fall, but some cities and towns are also scheduled to hold municipal elections for offices like mayor, city council, and school board. Some Georgia residents will also be able to vote on local ballot initiatives. To find your sample ballot, visit the secretary of state’s My Voter Page tool online.

Where can I vote early?

Unlike election day voting, when residents must cast a ballot at their assigned polling place, voters are free to visit any early voting location in their county. The Georgia Recorder has compiled a list of early voting locations, which can be viewed in map or list form. Use the search function to more easily find early voting locations in your county.

What do I need to bring with me to the polls?

Voters in Georgia are required to present a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or U.S. passport, when voting in person or by mail. 

According to the secretary of state’s website, accepted forms of identification include: 

• A Georgia driver’s license
• A student ID from any of Georgia’s public colleges, universities, or technical colleges (private college and university IDs do not count) 
• A valid employee photo ID from any agency, branch, department or entity of the U.S. government
• A valid U.S. passport 
• A valid U.S. military photo ID 
• A valid tribal photo ID 

Voters can also present a free Voter Identification Card, which can be issued at any county registrar’s office or Department of Driver Services Office in Georgia.

Those who choose to vote absentee must also submit some form of identification, such as their driver’s license number, along with their ballot. If you don’t have a driver’s license or voter identification card, you can also include a copy of one of the other accepted forms of ID or another document — such as a utility bill or bank statement — that shows your name and address.

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