Poll Worker Resources

Requirements
In the midst of a global pandemic, Georgia faces a massive shortage of poll workers, especially in our most populous counties and city centers. Our state needs more Georgians to serve as poll workers. To become a poll worker, one must meet four requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 16 years of age
• Be a resident or employee of the county in which you would like to be a poll worker (with one exception, see the footnote below)1
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language
  To learn more about the requirements to become a poll worker, please watch this video from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.

Outside of these requirements, counties are especially interested in poll workers who encompass the following:

• Younger Georgians who are at lower risk of COVID-19 complications
• Lawyers committed to understanding the ins and outs of election law and administration
• Tech-savvy individuals to help keep the electronic voter machines up and running
• Passionate people who care about improving the state of democracy

Becoming a Poll Worker

Once you submit this interest form, the ACLU of Georgia will be in touch to help you sign up, train, and get scheduled with your county of residence to work the polls in Georgia. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]! The ACLU of Georgia cannot guarantee placement as a poll worker, but we will work to ensure a smooth training and selection process.

You can apply to be a poll worker or contact your County Elections Office on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website or by contacting your County Elections Office. You can find the contact information for any county elections office here.

Most counties will begin notifying selected poll workers in mid-September. Please make sure to submit any applications or forms you have been asked to complete as soon as possible. Please complete everything in a timely manner as there will be training prior to the election that you will need to complete with your respective county. Click here for specific county poll worker information.

What to know before election day

Before Election Day, it’s important to keep in mind some helpful tips and reminders. The information that follows will go into more depth on many of these points, but here are some general takeaways to aid you in what you should know before the big day.

Follow up

Follow up with your county if you have not heard back from them within a week. This is to ensure that you have been placed as a poll worker. Double-checking is an important step to make sure everything is in order and nothing was lost in the shuffle. Click here for specific county poll worker information.

Make arrangements

If applicable, make arrangements for work well in advance. Your place of work should be aware that you will not be reachable on Election Day. Additionally, if applicable, make arrangements for childcare and petcare for a two day period. Expect to stay until at least midnight on Election Day. Many companies have started offering Election day off without needing to take paid time off, so make sure to inquire if your company offers this

Train

Training as a poll worker is mandatory and more information can be found in the Training Section of the Master Document. Be sure to review your county materials thoroughly. Supplement your county training with the resources on the Secretary of State’s website. Familiarize yourself with the ballot, a sample ballot can be found on your My Voter Page. Attend any “optional” site set up or trial run meetings. This will help you become familiar with the facility set up and the voting processes before Election Day.

• Depending on the county and election, poll worker training may be paid. Contact your county’s election office for more details.

Vote early

Since you will be working the entire time the polls are open, you will not have a chance to visit your precinct and vote on the day of the election. This is why it is necessary to make a plan to vote early. Request and return your absentee ballot or vote early, in person. Voting early will also help you become familiar with the voting process!

COVID Precautions

Safety measures depend on which county you’re in. It is important to remember that you are assuming some risk by working in person. Masks are no longer required for an individual to vote and you, as a poll official, cannot force a voter to wear a mask. If a voter is not wearing a mask, you may politely offer them a mask and ask if they are willing to use it. If they say no, they must still be able to vote. You can spray everything they touch with disinfectant after they leave.

Payment

You do get paid as a poll worker, but compensation rates may vary by county. Payment also varies depending on the position you hold as a poll official, but you should find out what you will be paid prior to election day. Discuss any questions with your Poll Manager or local county elections office.

Poll Watcher vs Poll Observer
Poll watchers are registered with county political parties, allowed into enclosed space, and wear tags; poll observers are nonpartisan individuals who can observe the election from publicly accessible places, and cannot go into enclosed space.

ID
Voters are required to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms of ID are as follows:

• Any valid state or federal government-issued photo ID, including a free ID card issued by your county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
• A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired
• Student ID from a Georgia public College or University
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of this state
• Valid U.S. passport ID
• Valid U.S. military photo ID containing a photograph of the voter
• Valid tribal photo ID containing a photograph of the voter
• Visit this link for more information.

You should learn more about acceptable IDs in your county specific training and should be given training documents with that information.

Poll Worker Training is Mandatory

In order to work as a poll worker in your county, you must first complete mandatory poll worker training! It’s important to note that some counties provide this training virtually while others require the training in-person. Please contact your local county’s elections office or look at their website to figure out how your county completes their training.

• Training session times vary depending on position and county. Typically, Clerks/Monitors training sessions run 1 to 2 hours, and Manager/Assistant Manager and Check-in clerk training run 3 to 4 hours.

Tip: Block out a bit more time than the session is expected to run, in order to account for unexpected delays

What if I’ve Received Poll Worker Training Before?

• Depending on when you received training, you may need to do the training again prior to volunteering again as a poll worker.
• Please consult your local county elections office to see if you still need training because many counties require you to train before any major election even if you have trained as a poll worker before.

Some Tips Prior to Your Poll Worker Training

• Confirm the time, location, and duration of the poll worker training prior (1-2 days before the day of the training) with your local county elections office.
• You may be asked to fill out a W-9 during your training in order to be paid for your poll worker shift, so please be prepared to fill out the information required.
• View a copy of a W9 here to see what information you need
• Generally information you need to know:
  • Your Address
  • Your Social Security Number OR Employee Identification Number (EIN)

Some county poll worker trainings may require you take an assessment after the training in order to test your knowledge

• Ask questions if you have any during the training!
• Bring supplies (pen and paper) if you would like to take notes during the training, in case your training location doesn’t have any.

Before You Leave Poll Worker Training

If you have not yet been assigned to a precinct, confirm with your local county elections office prior to leaving training about when they will follow up with you on this information so you can get an idea of the timeline.

• Make sure you have a point of contact or contact information that you can use to reach out to, if you have any questions or concerns following the training.
• Confirm with your local county elections office that there is not any other training you need to complete prior to starting as a poll worker.

Supplemental Training

There are other resources you can reference on your own time prior to volunteering, to aid you in your poll worker responsibilities!

• View the Secretary of State’s Office resources on Poll Worker Training
• View our Slide Deck on Important Things to Know as a Poll Worker
  • Due to SB 202, not all the information in this slide deck is accurate anymore – Provisional ballots for those voting outside of their precinct will no longer count outside of 5pm-7pm

What to wear/bring

Poll worker attire guidelines vary by county, but best practice is to dress business casual with no political material/slogans visible. If you are unsure of how you should dress, reach out to your poll manager for clarification.

Poll workers should prepare for a long day of service, wearing well fitting, comfortable clothing/shoes and bringing along everything they will need for the day. Some useful items to bring are:

• Lunch and dinner + snacks
• Coffee/tea/water
• Sweater or jacket in case the polling location is cold
  • It is helpful to dress in layers as polling precinct temperatures can vary by location and season
• Small activities to keep busy in slow/low turnout locations (confirm what you can bring with your Poll Manager)
  • Magazines/books/crosswords/knitting/sudoku

All items and materials brought by poll workers must not interfere with their duties, and poll managers/counties will give guidance as to which items workers should not bring. These items may include:

• Games/activities that may be more difficult to put away quickly
  • Electronic games
  • Card games
  • Board games
• Clothes/items with campaign material
• Pants/shirts with holes, fading
  • Some counties may have specific rules about attire (I.e. Dekalb County does not allow poll workers to wear jeans)

IMPORTANT: As always, the best practice is to contact the poll manager regarding specific do’s and don’ts for each polling location

Before setting up polling equipment, officials must ensure that all setup is done in full view of the public, and doors may not be locked at any time to exclude a member of the public from viewing proceedings.

Equipment must be set up and actions recorded while adhering to the following procedures:

• One poll official reads the instructions
• One poll official follows the instructions as read
• One poll official records the necessary information on the forms

Some counties may have a Monday set-up in which the layout of the precinct is determined and some of the equipment is set-up (but not turned on). Other counties may have all equipment set-up on election morning. Refer to your county’s practices.

The following is a list of tasks that are completed during set-up:

• The layout of the precinct is created using tables and chairs
• Voting area posters and signs are hung up
• Supplies are verified as present at the polling location
• Designated equipment is set-up
• Emergency contact information of poll officials is collected*
  *This task can vary by county but is completed in Fulton and Dekalb

Details of each step are provided next:

Layout

The layout of a precinct includes the check-in station, the voting booth station, the scanner station, a provisional booth station, and a manager/command center station. Precincts should be set-up in a way that creates a clear flow of voters from check-in to check-out– no voters should have to cross pass during the voting process. Layout should be similar to the diagram on page…

Voting area posters and signs

Each of the required signs must be placed in their designated locations including

• “Vote Here” sign
• No Campaigning sign
• Handicapped Parking
• Prohibition Notices
• Card of Instructions
• Required Identification sign
• Acceptable Proof of Citizenship
• Voting Instructions
• Voting Rights poster
• Magnified Ballot Request sign
• Notice of Penalties
• Electors 75 Years & Older
• Sample Ballots (2)

Outside signs should be placed on election morning rather than during set-up because if signage is posted the day before the election, it could confuse voters. Voters must be able to see all posted signs inside and outside of the precinct.

Inside Polling Site

Inside Each Voting Booth

Outside Polling Site

Supplies at the Polling Place

Verification of Supplies

If supplies are missing, please contact your county election office.

Designated Equipment Set-Up

The ICX tablet, BMD printer, UPS, ATI, headphones, and privacy screens (referenced in interactive diagram) should be placed at individual, accessible voting booths.

The following steps can be referenced for set-up of the ICX tablet, BMD (Ballot Marking Device) printer, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), ATI (Audio Tactile Interface), and headphones.

Setting Up the ICX-BMD

Setting Up the CyberPower UPS

On election day, several tasks need to be completed before the polls are opened at 7:00 a.m.* Most counties will require you to be present anytime between 5:30am-6:00am to get the precinct set up.

* The set-up steps listed above may also be completed on election morning.

Before any election-related tasks can be completed, all poll officers must be sworn in by stating the oath and signing a printed version:

• Assistant Manager swears in Manager
• After this, Manager swears in Assistant Manager(s) and other staff members
• Oaths are signed and placed in the corresponding envelope

Each official is then assigned a name badge, which must be worn throughout the day

Poll Pad Set Up

Opening Procedures

• Cyber Power UPS Set Up
• Opening Polls on the ICX-BMD Voting Machine
• ICP Polling Place Scanner Set-up
• Remove Lid from Ballot Box = Verify compartments are empty
• Seal Locations Reference (not all locations may have a seal present)
• Accesing Emergency Ballot Chamber
• Accesing write-in chamber ballots
• Opening The Poll on the ICP

Provisional Ballot Station

Provisional Ballot Station must be set up to include:

• Privacy screen or private area
• Paper Voter Certificates
• Provisional registration forms
• Outer and Inner Envelopes
• Appropriate pens to complete forms and mark ballot
• Secured Ballot Box
• Provisional Ballot Affidavit for out of precinct voters
• Provisional Ballot Voting Guide with contact information for the county office

Processing Voters

Poll Pad

• The primary method by which precincts in Georgia process voters is the Poll Pad. The Poll Pad contains a database of all registered voters in the county and important information that corresponds with these voters.
• It’s important to note that the database is downloaded into the Poll Pads, so anyone that wasn’t registered in time for the Election would be listed on the Supplemental Voters List. This list should be kept at the Poll Pad Check-in Station at all time and referenced if an individual isn’t showing up in the Poll Pad but are at their correct precinct.
• To process a voter on Election Day using the Poll Pad’s “Scan Barcode” option, poll workers should do the following:
• To process a voter on Election Day using the Poll Pad’s “Manual Entry” option, poll workers should do the following:
• If both the “Scan Barcode” option and the “Manual Entry” options are unsuccessful in finding the voter, poll workers should refer to these instructions in working the “Advanced Search” feature and let the Poll Manager know in case there is another issue that requires a call to the county elections office.

When Card Cannot Be Created Successfully
When a card cannot be created successfully, there are several potential reasons. Make sure to let the Poll Manager know anytime an issue like this arises. The potential issues are as follows:

1. Absentee Issued: If the Poll Pad displays “Absentee Issued,” the voter has either requested an Absentee ballot by mail or voted in person during Advanced in-Person Voting. If the voter claims to have not requested an absentee ballot, they should be provided with the name and contact information of a person in the county office who can assist them

a. If the voter has requested a ballot by mail and has the ballot on-site, confirm that the ballot is in the envelope and mark canceled on the envelope. Next, remove the absentee status from the record and continue through the voter certificate process and encode a voter card.

• The physical ballot brought in by the voter should be turned in on Election Night to the county office registrar
• If time allows, contact the county office and inform them of the surrendered ballot

b. If the voter has requested a ballot by mail and does not have the ballot with them on-site, confirm with the county office whether or not the ballot has been received back or not.

• In the event that it has been received, the ballot is considered “cast,” and inform the voter that their vote has been processed, directing any further questions to the relevant official at the county office who can assist them.
• In the event that the ballot has not yet been received by the county office and the voter would like to vote in person, the voter should be directed to fill out the form provided by the county office to cancel their Absentee by Mail ballot. Once completed, remove the absentee status from the record and continue with the voter certificate process and create a voter card.

2. Absentee Received: If the Poll Pad displays “Absentee Received,” the voter’s vote has already been cast.

a. If the voter affirms that they have returned and mailed an absentee ballot, inform them that their vote has been cast and thank them for voting

b. If the voter claims that they did not vote absentee by mailing in their vote or using a drop box, direct them to the Provisional Ballot Station

• The county registrar will research the issue during the Provisional Ballot review period

3. Advance In-Person: If the Poll Pad displays “Advance In-Person,” then the system reflects that the voter voted in-person during the advanced voting period. Poll workers should ask the voter if they have voted in the last few weeks

a. If they answer yes, then explain that they have already voted in this election and thank them for their vote. If they have any further questions, direct them to an official at the county office who can help.

b. If they answer no, contact the county office for more information, and direct the voter to the Provisional Ballot station

• The county registrar will research the issue during the Provisional Ballot review period

Voting Booth
After encoding their voter card, voters will head to the Ballot Marking Device (BMD) to cast their vote, following this process:

1. 1. Insert their card into the touchscreen
2. Select candidates for each race
3. Review ballot selections
4. Print ballo
5. Take the printed ballot and voter card to the Polling Place Scanner station

Polling Place Scanner
*A poll official should always be positioned at the scanner

1. Voter is reminded to review their ballot
2. Voter will return their voter card and submit their printed ballot into the scanner
3. Voter receives “Georgia Voter” sticker and is thanked for voting

Provisional ballots
A voter should be directed to the provisional ballot station in the event that their eligibility to cast a vote in a precinct on Election Day is in question. Provisional ballots may be needed in a number of situations and correspond with unique provisional ballot “codes,” which should be identified and listed on all of the provisional ballot materials that are filled out for the voter.

OP – Out of Precinct

• If a person is registered to vote in another precinct, they should be informed and given the option to cast a provisional ballot or go to their correct precinct. Provisional ballots cast in the wrong precinct will only be counted after 5 P.M. and before the polls close on Election Day

PR – Person believing to have registered to vote but is not appearing on the electors list

• If a person believes that they are registered to vote, but their name is not appearing on the Poll Pad, supplemental list, or paper back up list, then they should be instructed to fill out a provisional ballot

PI – Registered voter who does not have valid ID at time of voting

• If the voter does not have a valid form of photo ID at the time of voting, the voter may be issued a provisional ballot. The voter should be instructed that the ballot will be counted only if the voter provides the proper identification to the county registrar’s office no later than 3 days after the election, primary, or runoff

IR – Voter who registered for first time by mail but did not provide required ID when appearing to vote. These voters can provide additional forms to provide proof of ID.

• If a voter who registered for the first time in Georgia by mail and does not supply the proper identification, they will be listed as an IDR voter on the Electors List. If the voter cannot supply the appropriate identification the voter must be issued a Provisional Ballot. Please note that an IDR voter is allowed to show other forms of identification in addition to the listed forms of photo ID.

EH – Voter who is casting a ballot during extended poll hours as a result of a court order

• This is a special scenario in which a federal race is extended at a polling location by court order. When this is the case, all ballots cast during the extended hours should use a provisional ballot

X – Person who registered to vote for the first time in Georgia but citizenship is not verified

• If the elector is flagged on the electors list as a potential noncitizen and they do not provide valid proof of citizenship, they should be instructed to fill out a provisional ballot (consult with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office or local county office on valid proof of citizenship)

V – Person who did not provide missing information to complete application

• In the event that the elector is pending due to incomplete voter registration, they should be instructed to fill out a provisional ballot

CHAL – Challenged

• In the event that an elector has been challenged and shows up to vote before a challenge hearing or decision, the elector should be directed to fill out a provisional ballot

Issuing a Provisional Ballot

1. The voter should first complete the Provisional (salmon-colored) section of the paper, the Voter Certificate and if required, a Provisional Voter Registration Application

• Ask the voter to provide proper photo ID (unless the reason for filling out the provisional ballot is due to a lack of ID)
• Initials at the indicated space

2. Confirm that the forms are complete

3. Complete the outer Provisional Envelope

• Print voter’s name
• Precinct number and ballot style number
• Date and name of election
• Note appropriate provisional code (as discussed above)

4. Write the voter’s name on the Provisional Numbered List of Voters, record the time of voting, mark the appropriate provisional code, and mark ballot style in the appropriate column.

5. Record the ballot number on the voter certificate and initial as issued.

6. Hand the voter the ballot and both Official Provisional Ballot Envelopes. Instruct the voter to go to the Provisional Ballot Booth to vote by filling in the ovals next to the candidate or answer of their choice. When finished voting, the voter will fold and insert the ballot into the inner Provisional Ballot Envelope and seal. The inner envelope will then be inserted into the larger salmon-colored envelope and seal. The voter will then insert the ballot in the Provisional Ballot Container

7. After the voter has cast their provisional ballot, poll workers should provide the voter with written contact information so they can monitor the status of their ballot. If a federal candidate is on the ballot, the contact information provided to the voter must include a free access system, such as a toll-free telephone number or an internet website.

8. After 5 P.M., any provisional ballots used for out-of-precinct voting must be bound together for review by the Election Superintendent

9. Place all used provisional ballots in the Provisional Ballot Container and be sure to place the Numbered List of Provisional Voters, Provisional Ballot Affidavits, and Provisional Recap Sheet in the proper envelopes
Please make sure to also review the Provisional Ballot training information you receive from your county, in case of any updates to the process of how to issue a Provisional Ballot to voters.

Issuing a Challenged Ballot
If the voter is completing a provisional ballot because of their status as a challenged voter, the following changes are implemented to the normal provisional ballot process

1. Verify that the voter has completed the voter certificate and the Provisional Voter Section on the back of the certificate

2. Correctly notate both the Provisional Section of the Voter’s Certificate and the Official Provisional Ballot with the necessary information

3. Issue the correct optical scan ballot for the voter’s District Combo. Detach the ballot from the pad, leaving the stub attached to the pad. Give the voter the following instructions:

• “Take the ballot to the voting booth. Vote your ballot by filling in the ovals next to the candidate or question of your choice”
• “Fold your ballot to fit into the white envelope”
• “Put your ballot into the smaller white envelope and seal it. Put that envelope into the larger salmon envelope and seal it.”

4. While the voter is voting:

• Write the ballot stub number on the Voter’s Certificate and initial as issued
• On the Numbered List of Provisional Voters record the voter’s name, the provisional code of CHAL, the District Combo
• Place the Voter’s Certificate in the provisional binder

5. When finished voting, the voter drops the sealed salmon ballot envelope into a secure ballot container or bag

6. Hand the voter the written instructions about the challenged ballot process

7. Hand the Voter an “I’m a Georgia Voter I SECURED MY VOTE” sticker and thank them for voting

Voters with Disabilities and Voter Assistance
Accommodating voters with disabilities and those that require assistance is a crucial role of all election officials. Before entering the polling location, directional signs indicating the entrances and special handicapped parking are designed to simplify the process of getting to the ballot as much as possible, so it is essential that these are properly set up. Should they choose, voters are entitled to assistance if they:

• Are unable to read the English language and/or
• Have a disability which renders them unable to:
  • See or mark the ballot OR
  • Operate the voting machine OR
  • Entering the voting compartment/booth without assistance

Notice of the availability of assistance must be visibly posted at the polling place
“A physically disabled or illiterate elector may receive assistance in preparing his or her ballot from”…. any person of the elector’s choice EXCEPT

• Elector’s employer or agent of employer
• Officer or agent of Elector’s union
• Candidate on the ballot or family member of the candidate
• Exception if disabled/illiterate elector is related to candidate

Hearing/Speech Disabilities

• Poll workers should follow the nonverbal cues of an elector with hearing or speech disabilities and identify the best method of communication (i.e. speaking, gestures, written)
• Poll workers should remember to be patient remain respectful throughout the entire interaction, taking time to accommodate the elector as best they can and giving them full attention
• In the event of misunderstandings, poll workers should rephrase, rather than repeat, questions to the elector

Mobility Impairments

• Poll workers should not touch or handle a voter’s wheelchair or other accessibility equipment without prior consent

Voters Aged 75+ OR Disabled

• On Election Day between 9:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., voters who are aged 75 and older or disabled and require assistance voting, are allowed to vote immediately at the next available voting booth without waiting in line
• If notified as a poll worker, you must fulfill this request

Printed Ballot Review

• The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office recommends an area set up with magnifying screens/glasses to assist voters in reviewing forms and their ballots in print

Paperwork

If you are a Precinct Manager you along with your Assistant Managers will be responsible for completing important paperwork from the time you pick up materials on Sunday, until you close the polls Tuesday. Below are some tips to be successful and organized in preparing the documents:

• When you pick up your supplies Sunday, make sure you verify you have all the important paperwork you need. There should be a checklist within the supplies but you can also reference your counties training materials for what paperwork is needed to be verified.
• If you do some of your set up on Monday, if Emergency contacts are required go ahead and fill that out for each of your staff. Also have a look and make sure the pre-filled information listed for the BMD machines, Printers and Scanners match up to the paperwork provided by the county.
• If you set up Tuesday morning before the polls open, make sure you cross check all the prefilled information on paperwork provided by your county against the BMD machines, Printers, Scanners and Poll pads. If there are any discrepancies you will want to reach out to the County and let them know.
• When you set up your Manager/Assistant Manager table, go ahead and lay out the paperwork in an organized manner so you can easily access it and keep track of it.
• Throughout the day Tuesday, you may have some down times/slow times, so during those moments you can go ahead and fill out some information on the paperwork to help with the closing precinct process. This could include signing paperwork (most need signatures from the Manager and both Assistant Managers), filling out any information you can and just making sure you understand what may need to be done at close.
• You can have the Poll Pad clerks fill out the Poll Pad form, but as a Manager always make sure you are double checking information and verifying it is correct.

Troubleshooting

For issues regarding voting equipment, the Georgia Pollworker Manual (p. 69) states “If any voting system component malfunctions during the day of a primary, election, or runoff, the poll manager shall immediately notify the election superintendent.” It is also important to make sure the Poll Manager is also aware of any issue.

Ballot Scanner Malfunction
If the ballot scanner malfunctions, the Georgia Poll Worker Manual mandates the following procedure:

In the event that a ballot scanner malfunctions, the voter shall place their ballot in the emergency bin connected to the ballot box. The emergency bin is located on the top of the ballot box near the transportation handle. The emergency bin must be unlocked by the Poll Manager. Voting should continue as normal, with the only difference that ballots are placed into the emergency bin and not run through the scanner. Poll officers may scan ballots placed into the emergency bin when the malfunction is resolved or the ballot scanner is replaced when doing so will not interfere with voting. A voter who has placed their ballot into the emergency bin has voted.

According to the Georgia Poll Worker Manual, the voting procedure will continue as such:

• The voter will be checked in on the poll pad. A voter card will be created for the voter.
• The voter will vote on the ICX-BMD.
• The voter shall place their printed ballot in the emergency bin connected to the ballot box.
• A voter placing his or her ballot into the emergency bin is considered to have voted that ballot and shall not be permitted to cast another ballot.
• The ballots in the emergency bin shall be counted when the ballot scanner is properly functioning, by a replacement ballot scanner brought to the polling place, or, if neither are available, by another scanner at the county elections office.
• Poll officers may scan ballots placed into the emergency bin through the ballot scanner or a replacement ballot scanner when doing so will not interfere with voting.
• Emergency ballots shall not be treated as provisional ballots, but instead shall be placed into the scanner in the same manner that printed ballots in the polling place are scanned.
• The poll manager shall store all emergency ballots in a secure manner and ensure that all used and unused emergency ballots are accounted for.
• All unused emergency ballots shall be placed into a secure envelope and sealed such that the envelope cannot be opened without breaking such seal.

BMD will Not Mark Ballots

• If the BMD will not mark ballots, the following procedure should take place according to the Georgia Poll Worker Manual:
• The poll officer shall verify the identity of the voter and that the person is a registered voter of the precinct.
• On the Poll pad, the poll officer will select “Emergency Ballot” instead of “Touchscreen,” and hit “submit” in order to finalize check-in of the voter. No voter access card is needed or created.
• The poll officer shall provide an emergency ballot to the voter that is to be filled out with a pen.
• The voter shall mark their ballot with a pen in an area that provides voter privacy.
• The voter shall scan their ballot in the scanner connected to the ballot box.
• The poll manager shall ensure that all used and unused emergency ballots are accounted for.
• Emergency ballots shall not be treated as provisional ballots, but instead shall be scanned in the scanner in the same manner that printed ballots in the polling place are scanned.
• All unused emergency ballots shall be placed into a secure envelope and sealed such that the envelope cannot be opened without breaking such seal.

The following are supplies needed to complete this procedure:

• Emergency Ballots – The election superintendent shall cause each polling place to have a sufficient amount of emergency paper ballots so that voting may continue uninterrupted if emergency circumstances render the electronic ballot markers or printers unusable. For any primary or general election for which a state or federal candidate is on the ballot, a sufficient amount of emergency paper ballots shall be at least 10% of the number of registered voters assigned to a polling place. (SEB Rule 183-1-12-.11 (2)(c)) Emergency Ballots must be secured prior to use.
• Dominion Voting Approved Pens
  • Sharpie Fine Point Black
    (part #: 30001 SKU: 071641300019).
  • Paper Mate Flair M Medium Point Black,
    (part #: 8430152, SKU: 041540843016).

Poll Pad will not encode voter cards
If the Poll Pad will not encode voter cards, the Georgia Poll Worker Manual provides the following procedure:

• If the check-in functionality of the poll pad is not working, the voter shall complete a manual voter certificate.
  • If the check-in function is still properly functioning, poll officers may continue to check in voters on the polls pads, but use the manual activation on the ICX-BMD to pull up the correct ballot style for the voter. If the check-in function is not properly working, the voter should be checked in using the backup paper elector’s list.
• The poll officer shall verify the identity of the voter and that the person is a registered voter of the precinct using the printed elector’s list and supplemental list (if the check-in functionality of the poll pad is not properly working).
• The poll officer must provide the ballot activation code for the voter.
• The poll officer shall direct the voter to an available ICX-BMD.
• The poll officer shall activate the ballot for the voter on the ICX-BMD using the poll worker card.
• The poll officer must enter the ballot activation code for the voter.
• Allow the voter to vote in private. Neither the Poll Worker card nor a Voter Card needs to be inserted for the voter to complete their voting session.
• The voter shall mark their ballot on the ICX-BMD. The voter shall print their voted ballot, remove their printed ballot from the printer, and review it for accuracy.
• The voter shall scan their voted ballot in the scanner connected to the ballot box.

The following supplies are needed to complete this procedure:

• Poll Worker Cards – Access to multiple poll worker cards. Poll worker cards will be used to manually activate ballot styles on the ICX-BMD.
• Ballot Activation Codes – Codes for the different ballot styles.
• Elector’s List/Supplemental List – Poll officers will verify voter information using the elector’s list & supplemental list.
• Paper Voter Certificates – A sufficient amount of paper voter certificates to last for at least two hours of voting. Voters will complete paper voter certificates prior to voting on the ICX-BMDs.
• Pens – For voters to complete the voter certificates.

Using Emergency Paper Ballots
If the use of an emergency paper ballot is necessary, the Georgia Poll Worker Manual provides the following procedure:

• The poll officer shall verify the identity of the voter and that the person is a registered voter of the precinct.
• On the Poll pad, the poll officer will select “Emergency Ballot” instead of “Touchscreen,” and hit “submit” in order to finalize the check-in of the voter. No voter access card is needed or created.
• The poll officer shall provide an emergency ballot to the voter that is to be filled out with a pen.
• The voter shall mark their ballot with a pen in an area that provides voter privacy.
• The voter shall scan their ballot in the scanner connected to the ballot box.
• Emergency ballots shall not be treated as provisional ballots, but instead shall be placed into the scanner in the same manner that printed ballots in the polling place are scanned.
• All unused emergency ballots shall be placed into a secure envelope and sealed such that the envelope cannot be opened without breaking such seal.

The following items are needed for this procedure:

• Emergency Ballots – The election superintendent shall cause each polling place to have a sufficient amount of emergency paper ballots so that voting may continue uninterrupted if emergency circumstances render the electronic ballot markers or printers unusable. For any primary or general election for which a state or federal candidate is on the ballot, a sufficient amount of emergency paper ballots shall be at least 10% of the number of registered voters assigned to a polling place. (SEB Rule 183-1-12-.11 (2)(c)) Emergency Ballots must be secured prior to use.
• Dominion Voting Approved Pens
  • Sharpie Fine Point Black
    (part #: 30001 SKU: 071641300019).
  • Paper Mate Flair M Medium Point Black,
    (part #: 8430152, SKU: 041540843016).

Troubleshooting for various technical difficulties
The following chart is from the Georgia Poll Worker manual and provides steps that can be taken to attempt to fix various technology issues:

The following information is from – it covers responses for different situations regarding the Poll Pad:
Poll Pad Troubleshooting

The following information is from – it covers responses for different situations regarding the Ballot Scanner:
Ballot Scanner Troubleshooting

The following information is from – it covers responses for different situations regarding the ICX-BMD:
ICX-BMD Troubleshooting

The Georgia Poll Worker Manual provides the following rules and guidelines for closing the polls:

• At 7:00 PM, the Poll Manager publicly declares, “The poll is closed.” Any voters in line at 7:00 PM must be allowed to vote. Position a Poll Officer at the end of the line to ensure that anyone arriving after 7:00 PM is NOT allowed to vote. Poll hours could be extended upon court order. Your County Office will notify your Poll Manager if this occurs.
• All duties must be performed in full view of the public. Potential voters may watch but are not allowed to enter the enclosed space or interfere when preparations for opening the polls are in progress.
• At no time are the doors to the polling place to be locked so as to exclude any member of the public from viewing the pre-election preparation, conduct of the election, or the closeout procedures.

Poll Pads

The following is a checklist of closing steps to be completed for the Poll Pads adapted from the Georgia Poll Worker Manual:

• Record voter check-in information on Poll Pad Recap
• Power off Poll Pad
• Remove ID tray from back of Poll Pad, return ID tray and stylus to case
• Unplug Poll Pad
• Return Poll Pad and USB power brick to case
• Remove encoder from Poll Pad and return to case
• Remove Poll Pad stand/arm from base
• Return base to case
• Verify the numbers on the Poll Pad and case match
• Return Poll Pad to case
• Record information on the summary report from one Poll Pad

Here is a step-by-step picture guideline to complete the steps to close the Poll Pads:

ICX-BMD

Here is a step-by-step picture guideline to close the polls on the ICX-BMD:

ICP (ballot scanner)

Here is a step-by-step picture guideline to close the polls on the ballot scanner:

CyberPower UPS

Here is a step-by-step picture guideline to close the polls on the CyberPower UPS:

Election Forms

The following are forms that may need to be filled out while closing the polls*:

*Please refer to your county specific training to determine which forms need to be filled out.

These are to be completed by the Poll Manager and Assistant Managers.

Touchscreen Recap Sheet

• Confirm unit number of Touchscreens
• When the polls close, the Poll Manager will verify the seals are intact. A checkmark should be placed in the Verified/Intact column. The closing count and closing case serial numbers should be recorded.
• The form must be signed and dated by the Poll manager and two witnesses. Scanner Recap Sheet
• Confirm unit number of Polling Place Scanner
• When the polls close, the Poll Manager will verify the seals are intact. The closing count should be recorded.
• The Ballot box, Emergency Bin, & Write-in bin should be checked for cast ballots.
• The form must be signed and dated by the Poll manager and two witnesses.

Ballot Recap Sheet

• Confirm unit number
• Record Closing Count Number of each unit
  • Section A: Totals the number of ballots issued and printed on each BMD.
  • Section B: Totals the ballots cast on each scanner.
  • Section C: Totals the number of issued ballots, casted ballots, and poll pad check-ins. The form must be signed and dated by the Poll manager and two witnesses.

Poll Pad Recap Sheet

• From one Poll Pad:
  • Record Closing Time
  • Tap on the Menu icon at the top left of the Poll Pad screen
  • Tap on the Summary Report on the screen
  • Record the check-ins from the Summary Report on the recap sheet
• Complete the oath and signatures
• Return the Poll Pad and attachments to the Poll Pad cases and seal
• Record and confirm unit number and seals of Poll Pads
• If the numbers in sections A through I do not match or balance as expected, an explanation must be attached.

Spoiled and Unaccompanied Ballot Recap Sheet

• Confirm spoiled and unaccompanied ballots are documented on the form
• Total Spoiled Ballots
• Total Unaccompanied Ballots
• Record the totals on the Poll Pad Recap

Provisional Ballot Recap Sheet

• After the polls are officially closed, empty the provisional ballot secured ballot box or bag and count the ballots
• Confirm or record polling place and election information on top of form.
• Section 1 – Record Number of Persons Voting information
  • Total Voter Certificates
  • Number of Names on Provisional Numbered List of Voters • Total Ballot Stubs
  • Total Spoiled Ballots
• Section II – Record totals of unused provisional ballots provided
• Section III – Total Ballot Recap
  • Total Provisional Ballots Cast
  • Total Spoiled Ballots plus Total Unused Ballots plus Total Provisional Ballots Cast
• If form does not balance, explain in area provided
• The form must be signed and dated by the Poll manager and two witnesses.

Chain of Custody Form – Transfer of Election Results from Polling Place/AIP

• This form is used to account for transporting ballots from the Polling places.
• Each field on the form must be completed for transport.
• The poll officers transporting the ballots must sign and date the surrender by field.
• The person receiving the ballots must sign and list the time the ballots were received.
• Confirms the number of memory cards being transferred.
• Confirm the number of voted ballots being transferred.
• List any discrepancies in the notes space provided.

Drop Box Ballot Transfer Form (DropBox2021)

• This form is used to account for absentee ballots removed from a drop box.
• Each field on the form must be completed for transport.
• The collection team transporting the ballots must sign and date the form.
• The Registrar or Absentee Ballot Clerk must sign and date the form to confirm they received the ballots.

Door Postings

The Georgia Poll Worker Manual provides the following guidelines for door postings:
At the close of polls the following must be posted on the door:

• One set of tapes from the Polling Place Scanner
• Yellow copy of the Provisional Ballot Recap Sheet

Reminders

The following are things to remember before officially closing the polls:

• Remember that the memory cards, electors list, ballots, provisional bag and any other documents and supplies required of your county office
• Make sure you record what time the last voter voted on the recap sheet
• Remember to post the results tape and the yellow copy of the Provisional/Challenged Recap sheet on the polling place door
  • Even if the recap of the Provisional/Challenged is zero, you need to record that and post the yellow copy
• Remember to take the Poll worker memory card out of each Polling Place Scanner to return with recap sheets and other items as determined by your county office
• Make sure all machines are sealed at the end of the day
• Review checklist provided by the County Office for all items to be returned