Fulton County Registration and Elections Message for College Students

The Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections reiterates the importance of college students knowing the requirements to vote in Georgia. The voter registration deadline to vote in the November General Special Election is October 11, 2016.

“We are aware that voting requirements might not be clear for college students,” states Richard Barron, Director of Fulton County Registration and Elections. “College students are unique because of their residency status and we encourage them to do some research before heading to the poll to vote.”

Residency determines how and where college students can vote:

Fulton County Resident
If you are a permanent resident of Fulton County, on Election Day, you MUST vote at your designated precinct. If you choose to vote early, you can vote at any Early Voting site within the county.

Georgia Resident
If you are listed as a permanent resident in another Georgia county, on Election Day, you can ask for a provisional ballot, but to avoid any problems, if possible, return home to vote or complete an Absentee Ballot that can be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s office website (make sure the ballot is returned before the deadline). If it’s discovered that you are not a registered voter in Fulton County by the voter registration deadline, your provisional vote will not be counted.

Out-of-State Resident
If your permanent residency is listed in another state, ask your parent(s) to send you an Absentee Ballot or visit your state’s Election website to download an Absentee Ballot. Make sure the Absentee Ballot is returned before the deadline.

Required Voter ID

Bring one of these six forms of identification to vote:

• Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free ID Card issued by your county registrar's office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
• A Georgia Driver's License, even if expired
• A Valid out-of-state Driver’s License
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of this state
• Valid U.S. passport ID
• Valid U.S. military photo ID
• Valid tribal photo ID

The Department of Registration and Elections regularly partners with groups and organizations to conduct voter registration drives. Groups interested in scheduling a drive can contact the Department of Registration and Elections by phone 404-612-3816, by fax 404-730-8839 or via email at Elections.VoterRegistration@fultoncountyga.gov.

For more information about upcoming Elections, log on to www.fultonelections.com or call 404-730-7072.

Fulton County Fire Rescue Offers Tips for a Safe 4th of July

Leave the fireworks to the professionals

Beginning July 1, Georgians can legally purchase fireworks. Fireworks are pretty, but can be dangerous. Although many types of fireworks are legal in Georgia, residents still need to be careful when using them.

“We want citizens to have fun, but safety is our first priority.” states Fulton County Fire Chief Larry Few. “Even though the new law expands the sale of fireworks, the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.”

Fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5-19 and adults 35-44.  Each July 4^th, thousands of people, often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Adults are strongly urged to keep children away from fireworks, including sparklers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides the following tips:

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

The new state law, HB 110, has certain provisions and times that revelers should be aware of:

1. The new state law allows for fireworks to be sold statewide in Georgia.

2. Fireworks can be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight (12 a.m.). On Jan. 1, July 3, July 4 and on Dec. 31, fireworks can be used from 10 a.m. through 2 a.m.

3. Fireworks cannot be exploded within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility or gas station, or a facility that refines, processes, or blends gasoline.

4. Persons must be at least 18 years of age to purchase fireworks.
 

Nearly 90 percent of the fireworks injuries reported to emergency departments involved fireworks permitted under federal regulations, with many suffering injuries to their heads, eyes and extremities. Sixty-three percent of these injuries were burns.
 

For more information about the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department, log-on to www.fultoncountyga.gov. Follow them @FCFRD on Twitter.