Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said his office is conducting a full-scale investigation after a Fulton County poll worker allegedly scanned multiple ballots during the Dec. 2 municipal runoff election.
The incident happened at a polling location at Dobbs Elementary School, according to a news release from Raffensperger’s office.
“Georgia is the best state for elections because we work around the clock to keep our elections secure and fair. That’s why investigators have been deployed to Fulton County to gather evidence and conduct a full investigation into the December 2 incident,” said Raffensperger, according to the release. “Georgia’s system is designed to catch this exact behavior, and we look forward to seeking prosecution of this poll worker to the fullest extent of the law.”
Raffensperger commended work of the Secretary of State’s law enforcement staff and the Fulton County Police Department. He said he looked forward to seeking prosecution of the poll worker.
It was announced on Dec. 8 that a Fulton County poll worker who was caught allegedly scanning multiple ballots for family members in Dec. 2’s runoff elections would prompt a recount in those races.
Fulton County Board of Registration Chair Sherri Allen said that during the runoff election, a poll manager saw a poll worker scanning two ballots and reported it to the director of elections. A police officer at the polling place escorted the poll worker out of the location, Allen said during a media briefing on Dec. 8.
“Upon further investigation, we learned that the poll worker had scanned her own ballot, had voted herself, and scanned her own ballot, but also for other family members that we later learned on Saturday were not present at the precinct location,” Allen said.
The poll worker and her family members lived at the same residence, Allen said.
Additional information, including the poll worker’s name, was not given because it is an active investigation, Fulton County Deputy Police Chief Ken Schierle said.
The Board of Registration reported it to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.
Allen said the recount was held because of discrepancies and irregularities in a few races. Runoff elections were held in the cities of Sandy Springs, Atlanta, Roswell, East Point, and South Fulton.
The poll worker no longer works for the county, Allen said. The poll worker had worked during previous elections, and the investigation is looking into those election activities.
Fulton County Elections Director Nadine Williams said the recount was to be completed Dec. 8. No additional costs were expected.