Georgia Officials Urge Voters to Use Drop Boxes for Absentee Ballots Ahead of Election Day
With Election Day just a week away, Georgia election officials are advising voters to avoid mailing their absentee ballots and instead utilize designated drop boxes in their counties. The U.S. Postal Service has cautioned voters to mail their ballots by November 1 to ensure timely delivery by the polls closing on November 5.
As of Wednesday, approximately 130,000 absentee ballots remain unreturned, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. Gabriel Sterling, COO of the Secretary of State’s Office, emphasized that voters who have yet to send their absentee ballots should personally deliver them to local election offices or drop-off locations. "That way you’re protecting your vote," Sterling stated in a press conference.
For voters concerned about their absentee ballots, Sterling recommended signing up for Ballot Scout via the My Voter page to track their ballots and confirm their acceptance. If a ballot has not been accepted by Thursday, he urged voters to plan to cast their votes in-person, either early or on Election Day.
Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff also encouraged voters to opt for early in-person voting, highlighting the ongoing issues with mail delivery in Georgia as a cause for concern. "Track your ballot on the Secretary of State’s website and call the voter protection hotline if you have questions," Ossoff stated.
For voters still awaiting their absentee ballots, Ossoff’s advice mirrors that of Sterling’s—those who have not received their ballots should consider voting in person. With early voting concluding on November 1, officials stress the importance of ensuring that every vote counts.
Voters can find drop box locations through the Georgia My Voter page.
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