JONES COUNTY, Ga. — During an election year, many voters receive campaign mail, along with applications to request an absentee ballot from third party senders.
State election data shows that over 40,000 people have requested absentee ballots for 2024. Nearly half of those have been approved by local election boards. Some people might face a rejection notice if the voter didn't fill in all required information or provide a copy of their identification.
Marion Hatton, the Jones County Elections Supervisor, said she's noticed with the growing number of request for absentee ballots. She says while it's great seeing young voters energized, it's important for everyone to fill out the application correctly, without missing drivers license and social security numbers.
"I'm glad a lot of young people are getting registered, I just wish they would give me all the information I need so their application can go through smoothly," Hatton said.
She says while the groups handing out the applications her office is receiving from voters are legitimate organizations, she says the county office forms may be easier to read.
"Ours are a little bit better because they're color coded and we can tell people just make sure you complete the peach colored portion so it just helps the average person," Hatton said.
Stephanie Brown, a Jones County resident of nearly 15 years, has two sons in the military and said she makes a priority to vote every election. On Wednesday, Brown picked up absentee applications for them and says it's easy to make mistakes filling them out, so she's going to help them.
"I'm gonna make sure that everything, all the 'I's are dotted, all the 'T's are crossed and I'm gonna make sure everything is filled out correctly so they get a chance to vote," Brown said. "This is not their first time voting and it's not their first time being an absentee ballot voter."
Brown said she's excited younger voters are showing interest in this election season and hopes they'll exercise their right for their vote to count and voice to be heard.
"I would just like for all the young adults to please go out and vote," Brown said. "You would think it wouldn't make a difference but it will make a big difference if all of us just go out and vote."
Hatton says she agrees with Brown and to help avoid processing delays, her office can make virtual accommodations when someone needs to send proof of identification.
"Because we know our mail system here in Georgia isn't the best right now, I've been trying to email as many as I can and have them email it back to me," Hatton said.
Hatton says if your application is rejected, you'll receive a provisional absentee ballot and a letter explaining what you were missing but if it is determined you failed to successfully register your ballot won't count. People can request an absentee ballot application through the Secretary of State website or their local election office. Hatton says if someone lives in Jones County and are approached by a canvasser claiming to work for their election office, check that person's credentials. She says her Jones County staff does not go door to door.