Cobb County sets April 2025 election timeline and school facility plan

Cobb County's Board of Elections and Registration meeting on March 17, 2025, highlighted critical updates for the upcoming elections, including absentee ballot timelines and staffing changes.

The board announced that absentee ballots will begin mailing out on April 7, with a deadline for applications set for April 18. As of the meeting, 62 ballots were ready to be issued from a total of 91 applications received, though 24 had been rejected. This marks a proactive approach to ensure voters are prepared for the April elections.

In staffing news, the board is currently facing a 12.5% vacancy rate due to recent retirements, prompting internal promotions and new recruitment efforts. Notably, the board is set to announce a new assistant supervisor for absentee in-person voting by the end of the month, alongside ongoing interviews for part-time election technician positions.

A significant focus of the meeting was the board's plan to relocate polling places from certain Cobb County School District facilities. The board is actively working to vacate nine schools by 2026, prioritizing locations that directly interact with students or lack adequate security. This decision aims to enhance safety and streamline operations, particularly in light of the requirement for sheriff's deputies at polling sites.

The board also outlined the election calendar, with key dates including the April 29 election and potential runoffs in July and December. As the board prepares for a busy election year, these updates reflect a commitment to improving voter access and safety in Cobb County.