Fulton County elections office reports state-initiated removals, precinct changes and equipment tests ahead of November elections

The Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections on Sept. 11 received a monthly operations update that outlined voter-roll activity, precinct-location changes, equipment testing and election preparation ahead of a busy fall election calendar.

Chief Glenn reported registration and list-maintenance totals for August: 727,731 active voters, 113,625 inactive voters and 841,356 total registrations. The office received 20,645 voter applications during the reported period and had 22,227 applications awaiting processing; 68 new registrations to Fulton County were recorded and the office assisted 373 customers across four locations.

Chief Glenn said the Secretary of State’s office initiated a removal action that resulted in 72,028 voters being canceled for not participating in two consecutive general election cycles, and that Fulton County paid postage for notices but did not mail the initial notices itself. “We sent 73,000 pieces of correspondence to those individuals that were removed from the roles,” a board member noted in discussion; Chief Glenn clarified the figure and the state’s role in mailing those notices. Board members pressed for clarification about the process and whether the local board had discretion; Chief Glenn said the removals are mandated by law but that the county can undertake outreach and help canceled electors re-register.

The board discussed precinct-location changes for upcoming elections. Director Nadine Williams said many changes stemmed from Fulton County Schools requesting the county avoid using gymnasium floors where election equipment may damage them, and from some facilities becoming unavailable (a church canceled a reservation due to renovation). Williams said the county is exploring alternate locations such as churches, recreation centers and event halls and will mail updated precinct cards and post 4x4 signage at relocated polling places. The office also plans digital outreach and a news release to notify affected voters.

Election logistics and equipment were flagged for follow-up. Staff reported an equipment issue involving a removable “dongle” used with check-in pads at polling sites: the dongle can shift and trigger an error message. Mr. Ross said he had been testing a charger and that the device had shown charging in tests; staff will continue tests and confirm readiness before elections. The election-day manager will review the issue with poll managers in pre-election training.

The board also heard a brief update that Fulton and Cherokee counties conducted a recount on Sept. 4 after a recount request by candidate Steve West; the recount produced no discrepancies and did not change the result. Staff reported they are preparing for advanced voting and recruitment for poll workers for the November municipal and Public Service Commission elections.

On new business the board approved intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with 15 municipalities to conduct the Nov. 4 Public Service Commission and general municipal elections. Director Williams said the IGAs use standard templates and include cost options for additional advanced-voting locations. The motion to approve the IGAs passed by voice vote.

During public comment resident Maria Gaudio raised concerns about the state-level handling of elections and asked the board to implement an executive order referenced in her remarks; her statements were presented as public comment and were not acted on by the board.