Henry County Electoral Board certifies April 21 special election after provisional and absentee review

The Henry County Electoral Board certified the results of the April 21, 2026 special election on April 24, after reviewing provisional and post‑election absentee ballots.

Board Chairman W.C. Fowkles called the canvass to order. During an initial session the board reviewed statement of results, logs, scanner tapes and printed return sheets for all precincts. Secretary Ellen T. Boone moved to suspend the canvass and resume on Friday, April 24 at 9 a.m.; the motion was seconded and recorded as passing unanimously. The board reconvened April 24 with the same members present.

The board reviewed 50 provisional ballots. Seven provisional ballots were not opened or counted for specified reasons: one was cast in the wrong precinct, two were disqualified for felony status, two were identified as having voted early, and two were adjudicated as incapacitated after incomplete same‑day registration (SDR) paperwork. The remaining 43 provisional ballots were certified as valid (SDR or absentee ballots not received/returned).

The Electoral Board also certified 28 post‑election absentee ballots.

Vice‑Chair Joyce Staples moved to certify the final results of the special election on the proposed constitutional amendment for redistricting; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The board recorded total votes cast as 17,001, with 5,114 votes for 'Yes' and 11,881 for 'No.' The record also lists early voting totals of 7,057; election‑day votes of 8,867; mailed absentee ballots 1,006; overvotes 3; undervotes 3; provisional certified 43; and post‑election absentee certified 28.

The board adjourned at 3:30 p.m. The minutes were signed by Ellen T. Boone, secretary, Henry County Electoral Board.