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Board authorizes weekend hand-delivery of absentee-by-mail ballots between advance voting and Election Day
Summary
The board approved accepting hand-delivered absentee-by-mail ballots at the elections office on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before Election Day; counsel said the procedure had been validated by a 2024 court challenge and staff said two additional people will manage chain-of-custody.
The Cobb County Board of Elections approved a proposal to accept hand-delivered absentee-by-mail ballots at the elections office on the weekend and the Monday before Election Day. The proposed hours were Saturday, Oct. 31 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.); Sunday, Nov. 1 (12 p.m.–5 p.m.); and Monday, Nov. 2 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
Board counsel Daniel White explained the practice had been challenged in 2024 and that the court validated the county's procedures; he said there is no legal requirement to vote on the administrative practice but that adding it to the agenda this week was done for transparency. Director Lee Phillips said two additional staff would be present during those hours to preserve chain-of-custody and to perform election-related work. After discussion, the board voted to approve weekend acceptance of hand-delivered absentee ballots.
Why it matters: Weekend hand-delivery gives voters additional opportunities to return ballots when drop boxes are closed or mail transit times make mailing risky; it also requires staff planning for chain‑of‑custody and modest additional personnel time.
Next steps: Staff will implement the approved hours, preserve chain-of-custody procedures and provide requested cost details to board members.
