Postal Delays a Concern for Local Election Officials

Local Election officials are concerned about the lag by the US Postal Service in the delivery of absentee paper ballots during the Presidential Preference Primary and whether it will affect future elections this year.

In Franklin County, County Elections Supervisor Tracie Creason said 25 Franklin County voters reported to her office that they did not receive their absentee ballots in time to get them counted on March 12.

In Hart County, Elections Supervisor Robin Webb said they know of three people who received their absentee ballots after March 12 – too late to be counted.

She said there could be more people who did not get their ballots in time but never reported it.

Last month, the USPS consolidated the Atlanta, North Metro, Augusta, and Macon distribution centers to the new Atlanta Regional Processing & Distribution Center in Palmetto.

Julie Hays Manager of the USPS Customer Relations Georgia District released the following statement:

“The Postal Service plays an important role in the community, and we are committed to providing the best service possible. While a vast majority of mail in the Atlanta area is being delivered in a timely manner, local management has been made aware of the concerns of some local customers regarding their mail delivery and is working quickly to resolve any issues. We sincerely express our apologies to our customers who may have experienced a deviation from our normal, dependable service and appreciate their patience.”

But that doesn’t solve the problem of missing or delayed paper ballots for the upcoming May Primary and November Election.

“Once an absentee ballot leaves the election office, we rely on the USPS to do their part of the process and deliver it to the voter in a timely matter, which is out of our control,” Webb said.

Secretary of State Spokesperson Robert Sinners said the Secretary reminds voters to get their absentee ballot applications in early if they choose to vote by mail, to sign up for BallotTrax so that the voters know exactly where their ballot is in the process, and to call their congressman or senator and demand they address these issues with the USPS.

BallotTrax can be found online at https://georgia.ballottrax.net/voter/.

Meantime, Creason said voters can fill out an application for an absentee paper ballot in her office but the ballots themselves must be mailed out and there’s no way around that.

However, if a voter receives their absentee paper ballot in time, if possible, she advises they drop it off at the Board of Elections office instead of mailing it in.

There’s a lockbox inside her office where paper ballots may be deposited.

Webb recommends voters consider alternative voting methods if possible, such as in-person early voting or simply voting in person on Election Day.

Absentee paper ballots may also be dropped off in person at the Hart County Board of Elections office on Cade St. in Hartwell.

You may also consider dropping off your ballot at the Election Office lat 182 Cade Street, Hartwell.