Third-Party Groups Mail Absentee Ballot Forms in Georgia
Private organizations are distributing unsolicited absentee ballot applications across Georgia residents.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Elections
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Third-party groups are mailing unsolicited absentee ballot applications to Georgia voters that bear the official state seal and the name of Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Although the documents appear official, they did not originate from the Secretary of State's office.
Why it matters
While state law permits private entities to distribute these blank applications, the mailings have caused confusion for residents who may mistake them for official government communication. Transparency regarding the origin of election materials is essential for maintaining voter trust in the electoral process.
Georgia law allows private organizations to print and mail blank state-issued absentee ballot applications to voters. The applications must include the name of the third-party distributor on the bottom of the form.
The players
Brad Raffensperger
He is the Secretary of State of Georgia whose name appears on the unsolicited ballot application forms.
50 States Action Fund
This is the third-party organization identified as the distributor of the absentee ballot applications.
Paul Bennecke
He is identified in IRS filings as the president of the 50 States Action Fund.
Columbia County Board of Elections
This local agency verified the legitimacy of the ballot applications received by voters in the area.
The details
The 50 States Action Fund is identified on the applications as the distributor, though its website is currently inactive. The Columbia County Board of Elections has confirmed that the forms themselves are legitimate documents despite not being sent by the state.
Timeline
2021 marked the last year the 50 States Action Fund reported revenue.
2023 is the year of the latest available tax documents for the organization.
October 23, 2026, is the deadline for absentee ballot applications in Georgia and South Carolina.
Political Context
Opponents of third-party mailings often argue that these unsolicited forms create unnecessary confusion for voters and place too much election-related communication in the hands of private entities. Proponents maintain that these mailings are a legal and effective tool for increasing voter participation and accessibility.
Voters who receive these applications should check the bottom of the form to identify the third-party distributor and ensure they understand who sent the document. Completed applications can be submitted through official state channels, regardless of which group provided the blank form.
The takeaway
Voters should be aware that private organizations can legally mail ballot applications, even if those documents bear a state seal. Verify the legitimacy of any election-related mail by cross-referencing information directly with your county board of elections.
Further reading
Learn more about the ongoing electoral process in the state at Georgia Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wrdw.
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