COBB COUNTY, GA — Cobb County election officials have announced a plan to help voters who have not received their requested absentee ballots, following a lawsuit filed over mailing delays just days before Election Day.
The Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration says a limited number of voters may have experienced delays involving absentee ballots issued between Oct. 7 and Oct. 15.
The county says the delays appear to have been caused by its absentee ballot vendor, Fort Orange Press.
Under the new plan, affected voters can request replacement absentee ballots, which will be sent through Priority Express Mail. Each replacement ballot will also include a prepaid Priority Express return envelope.
Voters must provide sufficient information to the Cobb County Elections Office confirming that their original ballot was among those affected by the delays.
The announcement comes after a lawsuit was filed on behalf of voters who say they have not received their absentee ballots.
According to the lawsuit, approximately 2,900 Cobb County voters are still waiting for their ballots. The plaintiffs argue that the delays could prevent those voters from participating in the midterm elections.
Similar problems have also been reported in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, with as many as 10,000 voters across the three counties reportedly affected.
It remains unclear whether DeKalb or Gwinnett counties will offer similar expedited mailing options.
Voters who do not receive their absentee ballots in time, or are concerned their completed ballots may not reach election officials before the deadline, can also vote in person.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Bill Caiaccio contributed to this story.