Election Involvement Toolkit

Ways to Participate in U.S. Elections at Any Age or Immigration Status

Even if you’re unable to vote due to age or immigration status, there are still many ways to engage in the electoral process and make your voice heard. Your involvement can have a significant impact on promoting civic engagement and shaping policies. Check out our guide below to discover how you can contribute, support candidates, and raise awareness during election season—no matter your circumstances.

US Citizen

Adult
  • Vote
  • Work as Poll Workers
  • Work for Campaigns
  • Donate
  • Volunteer
  • Host Fundraisers
  • Contact Elected Officials

US Citizen

Youth
  • Vote
  • Work as Poll Workers
  • Work for Campaigns
  • Donate
  • Volunteer
  • Host Fundraisers
  • Contact Elected Officials

Green Card Holders

Adult
  • Vote
  • Work as Poll Workers
  • Work for Campaigns
  • Donate
  • Volunteer (Unpaid)
  • Host Fundraisers
  • Contact Elected Officials

Other Non-Citizens

Adult
  • Vote
  • Work as Poll Workers
  • Work for Campaigns
  • Donate
  • Volunteer (Unpaid)
  • Host Fundraisers
  • Contact Elected Officials
US Citizen
1. Register to Vote
  • Check your registration status: Visit Georgia’s My Voter Page (MVP) to confirm your registration details.
  • Recently moved? Make sure your voter registration is updated with your current address. The deadline to update is 30 days before the election.
  • New voter? You can register online or by mail, but you must be registered at least 30 days before the election.
2. Get Informed on the Issues
  • Research the candidates and issues: Explore where Georgia candidates stand on key topics that matter to you.
  • Find reliable resources: Use non-partisan sites to gather information on candidates’ platforms and the issues on the Georgia ballot.
  • Discuss with others: Talk with friends, family, and your community to hear different viewpoints and broaden your perspective.
  • Stay focused on your priorities: Concentrate on the issues that directly impact you and your local community.
3. Plan How You’ll Vote
  • Choose your voting method: In Georgia, you can vote in person, early, or by absentee ballot. Decide which option works best for you and double-check your registration status on the MVP page.
  • Early voting: Georgia offers in-person early voting starting as early as three weeks before the election. Check the dates and locations on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.
  • Absentee voting: Any registered voter in Georgia can request an absentee ballot without needing a reason. Submit your absentee ballot application at least 11 days before the election.
  • Prepare your ballot: Find your personalized sample ballot on the MVP page to preview what’s on the ballot before you vote.
4. Cast Your Vote
  • Voting in person? Locate your polling place and check hours on MVP. Polls in Georgia are open from 7 AM to 7 PM on election day.
  • Absentee voting? Return your completed ballot by mail or drop it off at an official ballot drop box by the election day deadline. Make sure it’s postmarked by the deadline to ensure it’s counted.
Even if you’re not old enough to vote, you can still make a positive impact on elections in Georgia! By staying informed and helping others, you can play a key role in shaping your community. However, it’s important to be careful and make sure you’re acting ethically, with the guidance of your parents or guardians.
1. Get Informed
  • Research the issues and candidates: Learn about the candidates running for office and the issues being discussed. Make sure to use trusted, non-partisan resources to gather your information.
  • Talk to your parents: Always involve your parents or guardians when discussing candidates and issues. They can help you understand the political landscape and guide you in forming your own opinions.
  • Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask your parents, teachers, or trusted adults to explain any part of the election process you don’t understand.
2. Stay Ethical and Involve Your Parents
  • Be honest and transparent: Never lie or mislead others about your political beliefs or affiliations. It’s important to always be clear and true to yourself.
  • Talk to your parents: Before getting involved in any election-related activity, make sure to talk to your parents or guardians. They can give you advice and help ensure that what you’re doing is safe and responsible.
  • Don’t let anyone pressure you: If any group or campaign asks you to pretend to be non-partisan just to collect voter data or to organize a fake voter drive, it’s unethical. Always stand up for what’s right and don’t let anyone ask you to do something dishonest.
  • Get consent: If you’re under 18, always get your parents’ permission before volunteering for any political cause or organization. Their guidance will help protect you from any potentially harmful or unethical situations.
3. How to Help During Election Season
  • Volunteer: If you’re old enough, many campaigns and civic organizations allow youth volunteers. You can help out with canvassing, phone banking, or passing out flyers. Always check with your parents before signing up.
  • Be a good example: Show others the importance of being well-informed, acting responsibly, and respecting the opinions of others during election season. You can make a big impact by setting a positive example for your peers.
Even if you’re not eligible to vote, there are still meaningful ways to participate in the election process and make your voice heard in Georgia. Your involvement can help shape the future of your community.
1. Stay Informed
  • Learn about the candidates and issues: Research where candidates stand on topics that matter to you, using reliable, non-partisan sources.
  • Talk to others: Discuss the issues with friends, family, and community members to share insights and understand different perspectives.
2. Help Others Get Involved
  • Encourage voter registration: You can help eligible voters in your community by reminding them to register and check their voter status. Direct them to Georgia’s My Voter Page.
  • Spread accurate information: Share key dates, voting methods, and ballot information to ensure others are prepared for election day.
3. Volunteer
  • Join local civic groups: Many non-profit organizations and community groups welcome non-citizen volunteers to help with voter education, organizing, and other election-related activities.
  • Support voter turnout: Help organize voter turnout initiatives, such as driving people to the polls or assisting with early voting information.
4. Stay Ethical
  • Be transparent: Always be clear about your role as a non-voter. Do not engage in any activities that may mislead others, such as pretending to be non-partisan to gather voter data or organizing sham voter drives.
  • Involve trusted sources: If you’re unsure about any requests made by a campaign or group, talk to a community leader or trusted advisor to ensure you’re acting ethically.
Even without voting rights, your actions can make a difference by empowering others and supporting the democratic process in a meaningful and responsible way.

When in doubt, talk to the Secretary of State!

We are only here to point you in the right direction. This should NOT be considered legal advice!