Are georgia mail in ballots counted first or last
In Georgia, mail-in ballots are counted in a specific order, which is determined by the Secretary of State's office and the counties. Here's the general process:
- Absentee ballots: Mail-in ballots are first counted as absentee ballots. These are ballots that are submitted by voters who have requested an absentee ballot and have not voted in person.
- Provisional ballots: Next, provisional ballots are counted. These are ballots that are cast in person on Election Day, but the voter's eligibility to vote is in question. Provisional ballots are set aside and counted after the initial count of absentee and mail-in ballots.
- Election Day ballots: Finally, ballots cast in person on Election Day are counted. These include regular ballots cast at polling stations and any remaining provisional ballots that were not counted earlier.
In Georgia, mail-in ballots are typically counted on Election Day, along with the other ballots. The counting process usually begins around 7:00 a.m. and continues throughout the day.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
- Absentee ballots are counted first, usually around 7:00 a.m. on Election Day. These ballots are processed and counted by the county election officials.
- Provisional ballots are set aside and counted later in the day, usually after the initial count of absentee and mail-in ballots is complete.
- Election Day ballots, including mail-in ballots, are counted throughout the day, along with provisional ballots that were not counted earlier.
It's worth noting that Georgia has a "risk-limiting audit" process, which is designed to ensure the accuracy of the election results. This process involves a random sampling of ballots to verify the results, and it can take several days to complete.