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Georgia announced Tuesday that all active voters will be mailed absentee ballot request forms for the May 19 primary, in hopes to reduce the number of people at the polls.

“They are encouraging this with the virus going on to vote by absentee ballot,” said Troup County Election Supervisor Andrew Harper. “Especially for the seniors, and the people who are at high risk. They want to get ahead of the game.”

According to Harper, an active voter is anyone who has voted in two previous general elections.

Voters who already participated in the presidential primary will still receive ballots with other races during the May 19 election.

“If anyone has any questions about whether they are active or not, they can call our office,” Harper said. “If they are not active, and haven’t registered, they have to get registered before the deadline, which is April 20.”

Harper said if any person is just now registering, they must request an absentee ballot.

“If they are active, they will automatically receive one from the Secretary of States office,” Harper said. 

According to Harper, voters will still be required to return the absentee ballot request form before receiving an actual ballot.

For more information, call the Troup County elections office at (706) 883-1745.