As the 2022 midterm elections draw near, two critical battleground states, Georgia and North Carolina, are gearing up for early in-person voting this week. Here is a breakdown of the key details for each state:
Georgia
In Georgia, new state laws have brought changes to the voting process. While there will be fewer drop boxes available this year, early in-person voting options have expanded. The law now mandates two Saturdays of early voting and allows for two Sundays of early voting if desired by the county.
One notable change is the requirement for counties to report results from early in-person and absentee ballots by 8 p.m. ET on election night. However, new rules, such as a hand count of ballots at each voting location, could potentially delay result announcements.
North Carolina
North Carolina is facing challenges following the impact of Hurricane Helene. The State Board of Elections website provides updates on relocated polling places, voting options for those who lost identification in the storm, and procedures for displaced voters to request new absentee ballots.
For voters in North Carolina, it is important to note that there is no longer a grace period for mail-in ballots. Ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. ET on Election Day to be counted. Additionally, new voter ID rules require residents to present identification when voting in person.
As early in-person voting kicks off in these states, voters are encouraged to stay informed about the latest updates and changes to the voting process. With the midterm elections approaching, ensuring that every vote counts is crucial for the democratic process.
