GA Supreme Court Grants Stay On Receiving Absentee Ballots In Cobb

MARIETTA, GA — The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday stayed an order that previously allowed Cobb County election officials to receive absentee ballots through Friday in the 2024 general election, county officials said.

Traditionally, absentee ballots must be returned to the Cobb County Elections and Registration by the time polls close at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

However, a Cobb County judge on last week granted an extension to receive absentee ballots after about 3,400 ballots were mailed out days before the election, county officials said.

The delay was due to equipment failure and last-minute absentee ballot requests, county officials said.

The Supreme Court's order requires the absentee ballots that come in after the deadline to be kept separately from other ballots, pending further court hearings, county officials said. It is unknown if they will be counted.

“The Cobb County Board of Elections is aware of and will comply with the Georgia Supreme Court’s order granting a stay,” Board of Elections and Registration Chairwoman Tori Silas said in a news release. “However, because the order only addressed to the motion for a stay, we will anticipate the Supreme Court’s final ruling to see whether it ultimately allows these voters additional time to return their ballots or whether we must only count those received by the close of polls on Tuesday.”

If anyone who requested an absentee ballot and is concerned it may not arrive in time, county officials said they can vote in person Tuesday at their assigned precinct. Voting locations can be found via the state-operated system, My Voter Page.