Where is the Fraud Happening?

A survey conducted by GPB of 134 election offices across the state finds no cases of registration or early voting fraud.

The findings come after several high profile allegations were made suggesting some counties were seeing widespread attempts by partisans and community groups, such as ACORN, to conduct elections fraud. There were also reports on rural AM and FM talk radio stations that organized efforts to register dead voters were taking place.

GPB found no evidence this is occurring.

Several election officials in a handful of counties have reported irregularities to the Secretary of State’s office. However, only thirty two ballots are in question, according to the information provided to GPB, and all of the cases have been resolved without charges.

Fulton County and Richmond County officials did provide exact numbers to GPB, but both election offices report no instances of voter registration or elections fraud.

A spokesperson at the Secretary of State’s office also indicated investigators are looking into allegations of registering people in jails. However, GPB could not independently verify the investigation, and the spokesperson would not disclose where the investigation is taking place.

All participants reported the elections process is moving smoothly, and that early voting turnout is high.

24 counties did not participate in the survey. All were rural counties. Seventeen offices could not be reached. One county office declined to participate. Six more listed non-working telephone numbers.

While almost all of the election officials say they have heard of the voting and registration fraud allegations, not one confirmed it had taken place in their counties. This was a self reporting survey however, and is dependant on the honesty of each county official.

For a copy of the survey, email jsepulvado@gpb.org .