A local judge has extended the absentee ballot deadline in Cobb County, affecting thousands of voters. This decision was made due to an increase in absentee ballot applications and equipment issues that delayed the mailing of about 3,200 ballots. Senior Judge Robert Flournoy ruled that ballots mailed last Thursday can be counted if they are received by 5 p.m. on Friday and postmarked by Election Day.

According to a Cobb County announcement, next-day mail or delivery with prepaid express return envelopes were used to send the late ballots. The extension, approved by Judge Flournoy, was put forth by attorneys representing three voters and four members of the Board of Elections and Registration. After an extensive delay mailing the ballots, affected voters may still opt to vote in person on Election Day.

The injunction adds safeguards to ensure the integrity of the voting process. It requires that absentee ballots be sent with prepaid express return envelopes by the end of the day last Friday. Delivered after the 7 p.m. cutoff on Election Day, the Elections Department orders ballots returned by 5 p.m. on Friday to be held in a secure container. The order also mandates that affected voters are notified via phone or email, if their contact information is available, and requires a list of these voters to be shared with all parties involved in the case.

In comments made surrounding the agreement, Daniel White, representing Board members, appreciated the collaboration with plaintiffs. "My clients wanted a solution that would ensure these ballots are counted," White said. "We appreciate the plaintiffs working with us on this solution. My clients support the order and the relief it provides." Board Chairwoman Tori Silas resonated this sentiment, in a recent communication by Cobb County.