In a meeting marked by gratitude and procedural diligence, the DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections convened on July 21, 2025, to certify the results of the recent Democratic runoff election. The atmosphere was one of appreciation as board members and staff acknowledged the hard work of poll workers and partners who contributed to a smooth electoral process.

Director Smith opened the meeting with a heartfelt thank you to the team, highlighting the transition of Jessica Hill, the executive support assistant, to a new role in the county's code enforcement department. Her contributions were recognized, and the board expressed their best wishes for her future endeavors.

As the meeting progressed, the board reviewed the election summary report, which detailed the unofficial results of the runoff. Smith emphasized the importance of the canvassing process, a thorough review designed to ensure the accuracy of voter records and election results. This meticulous approach reassured board members that the integrity of the election was upheld, with no discrepancies reported during the pre-certification meeting.

Holly Smith, the registration supervisor, provided insights into the provisional ballot process, explaining the rigorous checks in place to verify voter eligibility. With only 16 provisional ballots submitted in this election, the process was notably smooth compared to previous elections, where hundreds of ballots required scrutiny. Voters who cast provisional ballots will receive notifications regarding the status of their votes, completing the cycle of transparency and accountability.

The board also discussed the impressive turnout of Democratic voters, with 94% participation in the primary, reflecting a strong commitment to civic engagement. Questions arose regarding the costs associated with the runoff election, with Director Smith promising to provide detailed figures in the next meeting.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board unanimously voted to certify the election results, marking a successful conclusion to the electoral process. With the official returns signed, the board's commitment to ensuring fair and efficient elections in DeKalb County remains steadfast, setting a positive tone for future electoral endeavors.