The Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections voted unanimously on Dec. 19 to review machines' pre-opening "0" printouts and to certify the results of the Dec. 16 special runoff for State Senate District 35.

Director Williams told the board the results before members were "official and complete," that there were no provisionals outstanding by the 5:00 p.m. deadline, and that staff had provided numbered voter lists, statement-of-votes reports and election-night summary reports for review. "Yes, they are," Williams said when asked whether the attached summary results were a true and correct count for Fulton County in the district runoff.

The board debated whether to add the machines' "0" tapes — a pre-opening printout that confirms a zero balance on the scanner and is signed by poll managers — to the set of items reviewed during canvass. Member Adams moved that the board review the "0" tapes in addition to the results tapes, citing a statutory reference as the basis for the superintendents' role in reviewing tape totals. Director Williams explained the operational purpose of the "0" tape and noted training stresses that poll managers sign the printouts; Williams also said a prior case had identified unsigned tapes during reconciliation, not fraud.

After discussion about policy language and timing, the board voted to review the zero results tapes for the special runoff. Member Adams made the motion to review the tapes; Member Selye seconded. Chair called the motion carried unanimously and directed staff to provide the tapes for board inspection.

Members then considered whether to certify the returns that day. Chair noted the total vote in the contest appeared to be about "24,440," and members weighed the smaller scale of the contest against the time needed for document review. Member Crawford said she saw no reason not to certify given the small size of the election; Member Adams said she needed more time to examine documents and suggested a short pause to allow members to review. The board recessed and agreed to reconvene at 12:30 to reassess.

When the meeting resumed, Director Williams again confirmed the results were a true and correct count. Member Selye moved to certify the returns for the Dec. 16 special runoff; the motion was seconded, and the board approved certification unanimously. The board began signing certification documents immediately afterward.

Chair closed the meeting by thanking temporary and permanent staff, chiefs and managers in the Department of Registration and Elections for their work across multiple elections in the year and extended holiday wishes; Director Williams thanked the board in return. A motion to adjourn carried unanimously, and the Chair declared the meeting adjourned for the year.