Changes in absentee ballot procedures

GAINESVILLE - Hall County elections officials say a change in state law will change the way absentee ballots need to be completed before being returned this year.

It has not been uncommon for a spouse or parent of a voter returning their loved ones absentee ballot to our office. That, however, has changed, according to Elections Director Charlotte Sosebee-Hunter.

"The legal opinion of the law is if you get an absentee ballot, you have the option of either mailing the ballot back to the Elections Office or hand-delivering your ballot to the Elections Office yourself," Hunter said.

"You cannot have the ballot returned to the office by a spouse, parent or any other family member. The ballot should never be in the possession of anyone other than the person to whom the ballot is issued. Therefore, it is rejected and the voter is not issued another ballot for that particular election, because the ballot is not cast as allowed under state law."

Hunter added, "This is something I absolutely do not wish to do. However, awareness of the law is so important and in educating the voters, we want to make sure every ballot returned is never rejected due to this matter."

She said there is an exception: if someone is disabled and completed the oath indicating the fact, then the designated person may return the ballot for the disabled voter. The person assisting likewise has to sign the oath indicating they helped the voter.

"If you are disabled and are voting by absentee ballot, because you are disabled, you have to sign the oath that states you are disabled and that you need and received assistance in preparing and returning your ballot," Hunter said. "In that instance, the person you indicate as having helped you due to your disability is allowed to return the ballot to our office. Also, you can simply mail the ballot back to the Elections office."

When submitting an absentee ballot application, a reason is required for requesting the ballot. If your reason is disabled, then that will allow you to have someone return the ballot for you. Otherwise, you can simply mail it to the Elections Office and avoid the issue.