Friday, August 16, 2002

Secretary Cox issues important reminders for voting and handling of absentee ballots

Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox today issued important reminders to voters on the proper voting and handling of absentee ballots for the upcoming August 20th General Primary.

Noting that improper absentee voting or ballot handling is the most common source of election law violations, Secretary Cox, who serves as the state's chief election official, urged voters and those who assist them to exercise particular care in requesting, voting and returning absentee ballots.

"Each election year absentee ballots are a major source of election law violations, and they frequently occur because voters, candidates and campaign workers are not fully informed of the legal restrictions on absentee voting," said Secretary Cox. "Our office will vigorously investigate and, when appropriate, refer for criminal prosecution cases that involve improper absentee allotting. So it's important for all those involved in the political process to exercise care and insure the requirements of state law are being carefully followed," Secretary Cox added.

Under Georgia law, You may vote by absentee ballot if:

You will be absent from your precinct from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on election day.

You are 75 years of age or older.

You have a physical disability which prevents you from voting in person or you are a constant caregiver of a person with a disability.

You are an election official.

You are observing a religious holiday which prevents you from voting in person.

You are required to remain on duty in your precainct for the protection of life, health, or safety of the public.

Electors who acquire and vote absentee ballots without meeting these requirements are in violation of state law.

Secretary Cox noted that there is also frequently confusion about the difference between an absentee ballot application and the absentee ballot itself. Candidates, campaigns, political activists, community groups and others may legally distribute absentee ballot applications, provided that these forms list the legally acceptable reasons for voting absentee.

Applications must only be completed and returned, however, by the voter or by a close family member as defined by law. It is not legally permissible for campaign workers or others not permitted by law to collect and mail or deliver completed applications.

Once received by the qualified voter, the absentee ballot should be voted by that voter, then signed, sealed and mailed or personally delivered to the county board of registrars or absentee ballot clerk. For physically disabled voters, mailing or delivery may be performed by a close relative or by another person residing in the household. It is a felony violation of state law to possess, handle or deliver a voted absentee ballot of another if you do not meet these strict legal requirements.

Those who seek to commit election fraud by purchasing votes often target absentee balloting as an effective means to commit this crime.

Secretary Cox noted that it is a felony to buy OR sell a vote. Felony violations of election law may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000 and imprisonment of one to ten years.

As with every election, Secretary of State investigators are monitoring election activities in counties throughout the state. Anyone who believes they have witnessed a violation of election law should contact the State Elections Division at 404-656-2871.