/student/communities-and-belonging/blaze-the-ballot-logo.png

Blaze the Ballot 

Welcome to Blaze the Ballot, an initiative dedicated to empowering students, faculty, and staff at our university to engage actively in the democratic process. Blaze the Ballot stands for Build a better campus community, Learn from the past, Apply accountability, Zealous about the future, and Educate other Blazer faculty, students, and staff. Our mission is to cultivate a well-informed and proactive campus community that values civic participation and understands the importance of every vote. 

 

What is Blaze the Ballot? 

Blaze the Ballot is a comprehensive voter registration and education program designed to foster a culture of informed voting and civic engagement on our campus. By providing resources, information, and support, we aim to build a better campus community where every individual feels empowered to participate in the electoral process. Our initiatives include voter registration drives, educational workshops, and campus events that highlight the significance of voting and the impact it has on our society. 

 

Understanding Your Ballot 

Understanding your ballot is crucial to making informed decisions that reflect your values and priorities. At Blaze the Ballot, we offer various resources and tools to help you navigate the voting process with confidence. 

  1. Ballot Structure: Learn about the different types of ballots you may encounter, including primary, general, and special election ballots. Understand how each type serves a unique purpose in the electoral process. 
  2. Candidates and Issues: Get detailed non-partisan information about the candidates running for office and the key issues on the ballot. Our resources include candidate profiles, debate summaries, and non-partisan analysis of ballot measures. 
  3. Voting Methods: Explore the various methods of voting available to you, such as in-person voting, absentee ballots, and early voting options. We provide step-by-step guides on how to vote using each method, ensuring that you can choose the option that best suits your needs. 
  4. Voter Rights and Responsibilities: Understand your rights as a voter, including what to do if you encounter issues at the polling place. Learn about the responsibilities that come with voting, such as researching candidates and issues thoroughly and respecting the democratic process. 
  5. Frequently Asked Questions: Access a comprehensive FAQ section that addresses common questions and concerns about voting. Whether you're a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, our FAQ section provides clear and concise answers to help you navigate the voting process. 

 

By equipping you with the knowledge and resources needed to understand your ballot, Blaze the Ballot empowers you to make informed decisions that contribute to the betterment of our campus community and society as a whole. 

 

Join us in our mission to Blaze the Ballot and make your voice heard! Together, we can build a more engaged and informed community that values the power of the vote. 

 

2024 GEORGIA STATE ELECTIONS CALENDAR

/student/communities-and-belonging/election-dates-info.png

REGISTER TO VOTE.

To register to vote in Georgia (GA) you must:

  • Be a citizen of the United States

  • Be a legal resident of the county

  • Be at least 17 1/2 years of age to register and 18 years of age to vote

  • Not be serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude*

  • Have not been found mentally incompetent by a judge  

* The Georgia Supreme Court has ruled that in Georgia all felonies are crimes involving moral turpitude. You are considered to have completed your felony sentence for the purpose of voter eligibility if you have completed any term of incarceration, probation, or parole and paid all fines, unless such fines are canceled upon completion of your term of incarceration, probation, or parole (e.g., when the fines were imposed "as a condition of probation," they are automatically canceled upon completion of probation).  Your felony sentence is considered completed even if you have outstanding monetary obligations other than fines, such as unpaid restitution, fees, costs, or surcharges.

Click  to register now

Resources by state: 

  

 

ABSENTEE BALLOT VOTING.

Absentee Ballots are the mechanism used to cast your vote in your location of permanent residency. This type of ballot is a vote-by-mail ballot. You must contact your state to apply for an absentee ballot application, fill it out and return it by your state's deadline. Vote. org is a great site to learn more about the absentee ballot process for your state. Below are links and topics for your review.  

  • Absentee Ballot Rules per State: 

  • Absentee Ballot Application: 

  • Absentee Ballot Deadlines per State: 

DON’T JUST VOTE, VOLUNTEER.

Voting is an essential part of BLAZE the Ballot, but volunteering is just as important. Volunteer poll workers are paid. Working the poll here on campus will help us keep it open to accommodate our student voters! Please use the  below to volunteer

As you sign up to volunteer remember two things:

  1. This is a PAID volunteer opportunity

  2. When you sign up to volunteer, volunteer to work the precinct here at Valdosta State University

VSU Polling Place Location:

UC Entrance #2

1215 N. Patterson St

Executive Dining Room 

Lowndes County Board of Elections

2808 N. Oak St

Valdosta, GA 31601

(229) 671-2850