Judge Orders Extension for Return of Absentee Ballots Mailed to Cobb County Voters This Week

Marietta, GA (November 1, 2024)-A Cobb County judge has issued an order extending the deadline for returning and counting absentee ballots mailed this week. Senior Judge Robert Flournoy approved an order proposed by attorneys representing three individuals in the affected group of voters and supported by four members of the Board of Elections and Registration.

Cobb Elections announced on Thursday that a surge of absentee ballot applications before last Friday's deadline, combined with an equipment failure, caused delays in mailing the ballots. The Elections Department processed approximately 3,200 applications late and sent them to voters via next-day mail or delivery with prepaid express return envelopes.

The Court's order allows the Board to count the affected absentee ballots received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, as long as they are postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. The extension only applies to absentee ballots mailed after October 30.

Voters who have yet to receive their absentee ballots may still vote in person on Election Day.

"My clients wanted a solution that would ensure these ballots are counted," said Daniel White, who represented four members of the Board. "We appreciate the plaintiffs working with us on this solution. My clients support the order and the relief it provides."

In addition to the extension, the injunction also:

• Orders the Board of Elections to mail absentee ballots with prepaid express return envelopes by the end of the day on Nov. 1, 2024.
• Directs the Elections Department to segregate absentee ballots returned after 7 p.m. on Election Day and on or before 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 and keep them in a secure container.
• Requires the Elections Department to notify affected voters of the situation and this order via phone or email if contact information is available.
• Requires the Elections Department to provide a list of affected voters to all parties in the case.

"We appreciate that the court, the plaintiffs, and both political parties recognized the extraordinary efforts made by the Board of Elections and Registrations to ensure that these ballots can be delivered quickly, returned, and counted," said Board Chairwoman Tori Silas. "The agreement gives us a solution that helps ensure the voting rights of those affected and gives the public the assurance that all those who want to cast a ballot legally can do so."