# I foolishly thought I could rely on Georgia's Secretary of State to do the job and I would get to vote in this November's election **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 17, 2026, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907 "2026-10-17T04:52:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/1 "2026-10-17T04:52:52Z")
All the information I’m supposed to get so I can vote absentee overseas is purportedly at [https://www.securevotega.com/](https://www.securevotega.com/). Yeah, right. On top of that being down hard, if I somehow manage to get the ballot via email, I still have to print it out and do some magical incantations and the Dinosaurs Mating Dance (seriously, it’s like the instructions for one of the tests Matthew Dodson had to take in Space Cadet) before snail mailing (or EMS) the thing back to the office in charge of elections for the county in which I am registered. Theoretically, I can use the federal post card thing. And that yanks my chain even more. Why have the state website if it cannot be used? I’ll update y’all if I manage to pass the initial test to enter the Interplanetary Patrol, I mean get to vote for this year’s federal offices. (That’s another thing which yanks my chain: why only federal offices?) ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/2 "2026-10-17T05:39:48Z")
I tried going to the site just to try it, and got “This site can’t be reached. `www.securevotega.com` took too long to respond.” The incompetence is amazing. There are two kinds of sites that tend to return messages like that – government sites, and kids running servers in their parents’ basement. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/3 "2026-10-17T06:17:11Z")
By now, there is no difference to make a distinction. ---
**Author:** ![SunUp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SunUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunUp)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/4 "2026-10-17T06:46:15Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > (seriously, it’s like the instructions for one of the tests Matthew Dodson had to take in Space Cadet) Of course, the whole point of that test is that it was impossible to score, and the test was checking if the candidate would check things beforehand and figure it out or just jump in with both feet and no plan. But there must be some kind of combination of gates, lights and (what was it? buzzers?) that would allow you to get an absentee ballot overseas. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/5 "2026-10-17T07:00:06Z")
It turns out my registration is still valid. I need to print out and sign the application for a ballot and then take a picture of it to upload it becuase ‘Georgia law requires a “pen and ink” signature.’ Then I must upload a picture of it. So here’s another nifty query for you. If the thing is being uploaded, why not allow for signing online? That’s not new technology. What was I thinking. Anything “under the hood” in that state must, by tradition if not law, have a point to it. If you know what I mean. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/6 "2026-10-17T07:17:43Z")
> [@SunUp](#): > > gates, lights and (what was it? buzzers? From _Space Cadet_, p. 18, online edition: > [@](#): > > After the test starts,” he read, “a score of ‘1’ will result each time you press the lefthand button except as otherwise provided here below. Press the lefthand button whenever the red light appears provided the green light is not lighted as well except that no button should be pressed when the righthand gate is open unless all lights are out. If the righthand gate is open and the lefthand gate is closed, no score will result from pressing any button, but the lefthand button must nevertheless be pressed under these circumstances if all other conditions permit a button to be pressed before any score may be made in succeeding phases of the test. To put out the green light, press the righthand button. If the lefthand gate is not closed, no button may be pressed. If the lefthand gate is closed while the red light is lighted, do not press the lefthand button if the green light is out unless the righthand gate is open. To start the test move the starting lever from neutral all the way to the right. The test runs for two minutes from the time you move the starting lever to the right. Study these instructions, then select your own time for commencing the test. You are not permitted to ask questions of the examiner, so be sure that you understand the instructions. Make as high a score as possible.” And more fun! Get this brainiac plan. If I don’t immediately upload the form after downloading it for printing, I must–you guessed it!–log back in and start the form over just to get to the point in the online request to upload the form. Since I have to go somewhere to print it, that’s a guarantee. This is not intelligent design. _Cue one of my mantras._ _Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity._ ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/7 "2026-10-17T08:44:47Z")
At 0445 Geogia time on Sat the website is still dead. I hope they didn’t schedule all-weekend maintenance for the weekend 3 weekends before the election. It’s pretty evident they want it to be nigh impossible to vote absentee. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/8 "2026-10-17T09:48:54Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > It’s pretty evident they want it to be nigh impossible to vote absentee. It’s been evident for years. Sadly, Florida didn’t make it as difficult for this election so the felon-in-chief would have been caught up in it. Now, that would be some amazing schadenfreude. (Anyone want to bet he could even pronounce the word?) ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/9 "2026-10-17T09:58:12Z")
In general I consider GA to be a backwards redneck stronghold long before MAGA became the dominant force in backwards redneckery. For sure GA lurves them some MAGA now. Because the US military votes overwhelmingly absentee, and is historically commonly regarded as voting significantly more red than blue, I am surprised a bit that GA is so anti-absentee and has been for so long. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/10 "2026-10-17T10:03:26Z")
They’re anti-absentee because all they can think of is some commie will vote against their ordained office seekers. The fact they’re screwing themselves never enters into it. I’ve often wondered why Enlisted persnonel are voting predominantly red. They are literally voting for stated platforms which are 100% contrary to their own interests. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/11 "2026-10-17T10:23:39Z")
I think it comes down to a very simple equation. One increasingly based on old habits and faded memories: - The Rs love the DoD, favor increased budgets, pay raises, more newer better weapons, and all the rest. - The Ds hate the DoD, favor decreased budgets, pay cuts, fewer older run-out ineffective weapons, and all the rest. Note that the tendency to get into ill-considered wars of choice is not in either laundry list. I’ve been out 40 years, which is two entire generations of servicemembers. What any young troop or potential recruit is thinking this year is a mystery to me. I know I’d be very uncomfortable being a mid-career officer right now. Or really any time since the current criminal regime was first elected in 2016. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/12 "2026-10-17T11:05:22Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > I’ve often wondered why Enlisted persnonel are voting predominantly red. They are literally voting for stated platforms which are 100% contrary to their own interests. In that respect, they’re no different than the vast majority of civilian Republican voters. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/13 "2026-10-17T11:21:48Z")
My ex-wife was American, originally from Colorado, and though she could take part in American elections, she never did. “I don’t live there any longer; why should I care?” she once said during the G.W. Bush years. Note that we lived in Ontario, Canada at the time; and later Calgary; and after our divorce, she moved back to Ontario. I stayed in Alberta. Then, I had to get in touch with her back in 2023 or 2024 for some reason, and after we took care of the reason, we had a nice chat on the phone. Just catching up, “how’s your golf game,” and the like. But politics intruded, and she remarked that she was requesting an absentee ballot from the state of Colorado. “We have to shut down Trump,” she said. Well, that didn’t happen, but I have no doubt that she is again requesting an absentee ballot this time around. I hope she gets one, and that it is counted. ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/14 "2026-10-17T18:58:15Z")
Makes me glad I vote in [New Jersey](https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/mib-request) as I don’t even have to worry about getting a ballot. > Voters now have an option of automatically receiving a Mail-In Ballot for all future elections. Got my ballot emailed to me in September. Already did all the magic incantations and voted. They don’t send a notification when they receive the ballot, but I can (and did) login and see that they received my ballot. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2026, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-foolishly-thought-i-could-rely-on-georgias-secretary-of-state-to-do-the-job-and-i-would-get-to-vote-in-this-novembers-election/1033907/15 "2026-10-17T19:22:45Z")
They sent you the ballot via email?