Report says Hall County violated elections statutes

ATLANTA - A report issued Thursday by the Georgia Secretary of State's Office apparently found that the Hall County Elections Office did not properly execute last July's primary election and is guilty of 14 separate violations of the state election code.

A copy of the report was released by an attorney representing Craig and Shanon Lutz, who filed a complaint against the Hall County Elections Office. The Lutzes claim that Shanon Lutz was allowed to vote twice in the election, and that county elections workers are responsible for the error that allowed those two votes.

The findings also indicate errors occured with three other voters who filed absentee ballots.

In addition, the Secretary of State's Office found valid a complaint filed by John and Patricia Lipscomb, stating that they were given the incorrect ballots at the polls. The findings indicate at least 60 electors received the wrong ballots on the July 31 primary.

Contacted by phone Friday afternoon, Hall County Elections Director Charlotte Sosebee said she didn't know until she was contacted by a reporter that the Secretary of State had found violations.

"I understand it's preliminary," said Sosebee. "I plan to go before the State Election Board when it appears on their agenda and state my case."

The Secretary of State's Office confirms that the complaints will be reviewed at the State Board of Elections meeting on May 14. The office said it would not comment on the findings before that date.