Election officials to conduct risk-limiting audit

The public is legally allowed to observe the tabulation of ballots and audits. Here, Habersham County Election Supervisor Laurel Ellison is seen on election night via livestream in the county election office. (nowhabersham.com)

Election officials across Georgia will conduct a risk-limiting audit of the November 8 general election. The routine audit is required under the new state voting law Georgia lawmakers passed last year.

The Habersham County Board of Elections and Voter Registration sent out a notice about the audit following Tuesday’s election. County election supervisor Laurel Ellison says Habersham’s audit will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 17 and will continue “until complete.”

The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office decided which contest to audit and chose the secretary of state’s race. County election offices statewide will audit 5-10% of ballots that were cast in that election to determine the accuracy of the machine count.

Habersham’s audit will take place in the commissioners conference room on the main floor of the Habersham County Administration Building in Clarkesville.

The public is welcome to observe.

Questions may be directed to the county election office at 706-839-0170.