Board apologizes after voter says poll worker told her candidate had withdrawn; no ballot remedy available

The Cherokee County Board of Elections reviewed a voter complaint that a poll worker told the voter a candidate had “withdrawn,” when a court had earlier disqualified the candidate and a later order permitted the candidate to remain on the ballot. Elections staff told the board the poll worker—a long‑time volunteer—meant to be helpful and later called to acknowledge the mistake, but there is no administrative way to undo a ballot that has already been cast and deposited.

“There's not anything that we can do because her ballot is now in that ballot box and as you all know we vote a secret ballot here in Georgia so there's no way to go pull her ballot out and let her vote,” Anne, the elections director, told the board. Anne said the county removed and later replaced signs about the candidate as court rulings changed, and staff had reminded poll workers not to provide legal interpretations and to direct voters to the sample ballot and posted notices.

Board members discussed remedies and noted the voter could file a complaint with the State Election Board or the Secretary of State’s office if she sought further review. The board directed staff to reiterate training to poll workers ahead of election day and approved sending an apology letter to the complainant (identified in meeting notes as Miss Perkins). Staff said the poll worker had proactively called to acknowledge the error and that the county would use the complaint as a training reminder rather than pursue further local action.

The board said polling‑place staff should continue to avoid advising voters about legal challenges and instead point voters to posted notices and sample ballots. The county will reissue guidance for poll workers before the next election day.