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DeKalb County elections board reviews March 10 special election; no provisional ballots reported
Summary
The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections conducted a required pre-certification review of the March 10 special election for House District 94. Director Smith reported the county’s returns met the State Election Board rule; no provisional ballots or equipment issues were reported. Certification is set for March 16.
The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections met in a special called session to complete the pre-certification review for the March 10 special election in House District 94. Madam Chair opened the meeting, the clerk called roll and the board confirmed a quorum.
Director Smith presented the pre-certification report and read the relevant State Election Board rule, identified in board materials as Rule 183-12-1.12, which directs the board to compare, by precinct, the total number of ballots cast to the total number of unique voter ID numbers and to report ballots by method (absentee/advanced voting, in-person on election day, and validated provisional ballots).
"There were no provisional ballots received," Director Smith said when asked whether any provisionals needed resolution. She also reported that staff were not made aware of any equipment issues that would have affected totals.
Board member Gail Lee asked whether the meeting required providing a list of voters who cast ballots; Director Smith said she did not believe the rule required the board to provide names of voters at this meeting. The board re-read the rule aloud to clarify requirements for the precinct-by-precinct comparison.
Mr. Bonham, a staff member, told the board he had not observed an uptick in provisional ballots in recent elections, noting that provisional rates vary with turnout. Board members discussed a recent change in state law affecting provisional voting procedures and agreed the effect on provisional counts would become clearer in future, higher-turnout contests.
The chair said no formal certification vote was required at the pre-certification review and announced the board will hold its certification and regular business meeting on Monday, March 16 at noon. The board approved the meeting agenda and later moved to adjourn; both procedural motions were approved by voice vote.
The board encouraged public turnout for upcoming elections; Director Smith and staff will appear at the March 16 meeting to complete certification and any remaining business.
