YOUR VOICE AND YOUR VOTE MATTER
What We're Doing
Our Vote Your Voice initiative is committed to ensuring that every community member is registered and informed about upcoming elections in Cobb County. We focus on protecting voting rights and expanding access to the democratic process through a combination of advocacy, education, partnerships, and grassroots efforts.
By engaging with local organizations, providing voter education, and mobilizing volunteers for registration drives, we strive to empower our community to participate fully and make their voices heard in every election.
Why Participating in Democracy Matters: The Stakes for Georgia Voters
In the most recent election, 78% of registered voters in Cobb County turned out to cast their ballots—a remarkable engagement compared to past elections. However, this means that nearly a quarter of registered voters in the county and over 2 million active registered voters statewide chose not to participate. These numbers reflect more than a simple turnout rate; they signify the importance of active engagement in the democratic process and the opportunities missed when individuals abstain.
Democracy is built on participation, and every vote contributes to shaping the future. When citizens choose to sit on the sidelines, they relinquish their influence over decisions that affect their communities, families, and lives. This blog explores why participating in democracy is crucial, what is at stake when individuals remain spectators, and how voters can take meaningful action to ensure their voices are heard.
Why Every Vote Matters
Democracy thrives on collective decision-making, and voting is the most direct way to express one’s preferences and influence policies. When voter turnout reaches significant levels, as it did in Cobb County’s recent election, it demonstrates the potential for a community to shape its future through shared action.
Each election brings decisions that have immediate and long-term consequences. From funding schools and improving public safety to managing transportation and healthcare, these choices are often made at the local level. Sitting out an election allows others to make these decisions without the full input of the community.
November 2024 Election Results
Cobb County Special Election Dates
The Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration recently set the dates of the Special Elections for Cobb County Commissioner Districts 2 and 4.
- Qualifying will happen Dec. 18 - 20.
- The Primary Election will take place on Feb. 11.
- The Runoff Election (if necessary) will take place March 11.
- The General Special Election will be April 29.
The board had to wait until after November's General Election to set these dates, as they depended on a possible runoff (no runoff was necessary). Advance voting will be available for these contests at select locations. Only Cobb Commission Districts 2 and 4 voters will be eligible to vote in this special election.
A Cobb County Superior Court Judge ordered this special election after ruling the county's use of home rule powers to draw its commission maps was unconstitutional.
Understand Voting Options in GA
ABSENTEE VOTING
Absentee voting is when you vote using a mail-in ballot. This form of voting is great for those who want to avoid voting in-person, if you are traveling, or have limited transportation.
Georgia is a no-excuse absentee state, meaning you don't have to have a reason to vote absentee.
ADVANCE VOTING
Advance (early) voting is when you vote BEFORE the election during the early voting period. This is a great way to avoid crowds and secure your vote early.
Advance voting can be done at any early voting location. Be sure to check polling locations and hours to find a location that is convenient for you.
VOTE ON ELECTION DAY
Voting on Election Day is when you vote in-person on the actual day of the election.
Voters MUST go to their designated polling location on Election Day!
Polls are open 7am-7pm.
Following the Aug. 27 Board of Commissioners meeting, county staff removed links and images of the “home rule” commission map from the county website. These have been replaced with the district map approved by the state legislature.
The change was made after a recent ruling by a Superior Court judge, which declared the use of home rule powers to draw a commission map unconstitutional.
District 2 and District 3 boundary lines have changed significantly. To see what district you are in, click on the Who is my Commissioner page.
Elected officials make key decisions for your community. Knowing who your elected officials are and who will represent you at the Gold Dome is very important. Since your district lines may have changed, you should doublecheck who will be on your sample ballot so that you can research all the candidates and know who your current elected officials are as well.
Understand who represents you by looking up your elected officials on the Georgia My Voter Page.
As a registered 501c3, the Cobb Collaborative does not align with or oppose any specific party, ideology, or candidate.