Civil rights groups have filed a lawsuit in a Georgia court seeking an extension of the deadline for more than 3,000 voters to return absentee ballots. This action comes after Cobb County officials announced a delay in mailing out the ballots, prompting concerns about voters not receiving them in time.
The lawsuit, filed on Friday, requests an emergency order that would compel county election officials to promptly send the absentee ballots to the affected voters. Additionally, the groups are asking for a secure and cost-free method for voters to return their ballots. The court is being urged to allow the ballots to be counted as long as they are postmarked by Election Day and received by officials on or before November 8, a later deadline than the current requirement of November 5.
Cobb County attributed the delay to a sudden influx of last-minute absentee ballot applications. In response, election workers plan to expedite the mailing process by utilizing USPS Express Mail or UPS Overnight Delivery services. However, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Georgia, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, argue that this solution may not be sufficient to ensure all voters receive and return their ballots in time.
The legal action underscores the importance of ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process without facing undue obstacles. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the affected voters and may influence absentee ballot procedures in future elections.
