5.0   PROCESSING RETURNED ABSENTEE BALLOTS Printer Friendly Version

Q 5.1  Can the signatures on the returned absentee ballot materials be verified against scanned registration application signatures?
A 5.1

Yes.  See O.C.G.A. §§ 21-2-215(h), 21-2-222(l), 21-2-386(a)(1)(B).

An electronic image of a signature may be used in the same manner as the original signature on the voter registration application.  Posted 1/15/08.

Q 5.2. When an absentee ballot is applied for by a parent on behalf of a child, should the absentee ballot signature verification be conducted on the parent's signature?
A 5.2

No.  See O.C.G.A. § 21-2-386(a)(1)(B).

The registrar shall compare the signature or mark on the oath with the signature or mark on the elector’s voter registration card and application for absentee ballot or a facsimile of said signature or mark taken from said card or application.  If a qualifying relative applies for the absentee ballot on behalf of an elector, then the signature comparison must be to the elector’s voter registration card or a facsimile of said signature taken from the elector’s voter registration card, because there would be no signature of the elector on the application for comparison purposes.  Posted 1/15/08.

Q 5.3 When an absentee voter shows up in person and the absentee ballot has already been sent to the voter, what is the procedure?  Is the procedure any different for a UOCAVA voter?
A 5.3 

It depends.  See O.C.G.A. § 21-2-388.

  • If the ballot has been voted and returned to and received by the board of registrars, then the absentee ballot shall be deemed to have been voted.  No other ballot shall be issued.  See O.C.G.A. § 21-2-388.
  • If the elector has possession of the absentee ballot and gives it to the poll manager of the precinct in which the elector’s name appears on the electors list, then the elector may vote a regular ballot.  The poll manager shall mark “Canceled” and the date and time across the face of the absentee ballot, initial it, and return it with other ballots to the superintendent.  The poll manager shall also make appropriate notation by the elector’s name on the electors list, or when using an electronic elector’s list shall update the record to remove the “ab” notation and show that the elector has voted.  See O.C.G.A. § 21-2-388(1).
  • If the elector has not received an absentee ballot, or if the elector has returned the absentee ballot, but the registrars have not received the ballot, the voter may cancel the absentee ballot by appearing in person before the registrar or absentee ballot clerk and making a written request to have the ballot marked “Cancelled.”  After satisfying themselves as to the elector’s identity, the registrars or absentee ballot clerk shall grant the request and notify the managers of the elector’s precinct to permit the elector to vote in person at that precinct.  The registrar or absentee ballot clerk shall make a notation of the canceled absentee ballot on the master list of absentee voters and shall cancel the absentee ballot as soon as it is received.  See O.C.G.A. § 21-2-388(2).
  • Canceled absentee ballots are handled in the same manner as those returned too late to be cast.
  • This procedure is the same for UOCAVA electors.  Posted 1/15/08.

Q 5.4  Is it permissible to compare the signature or mark on an elector’s absentee ballot oath solely to the absentee ballot application?
A 5.4

No.  See O.C.G.A. § 21-2-386(a)(1)(B).

The registrar shall compare the signature or mark on the oath with the signature or mark on the elector’s voter registration card and application for absentee ballot or a facsimile of said signature or mark taken from said card or application.  Posted 1/15/08.
Q 5.5 If the voter’s absentee ballot has been filled out, returned to the registrar’s office and received by the registrar, and is then “rejected” because it was not properly submitted (e.g., had missing or incorrect information) can the voter be given another ballot to properly submit?
A 5.5   No.  See O.C.G.A. § 21-2-388. 

After the registrar has received the returned absentee ballot, the ballot is deemed to have been voted, and no other ballot shall be issued to the same elector.  A voter may cancel an absentee ballot and then proceed to vote under the following circumstances: 1) if an elector has requested, but not yet received an absentee ballot; or 2) if the elector still has possession of the absentee ballot and surrenders it to the poll manager of the precinct in which the elector’s name appears on the electors list; or 3) the elector has taken steps to return the ballot, but the registrar has not yet received it.  Posted 1/15/08.