Georgia § 21-2-587 - Frauds by poll officers.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 21-2-587 — Frauds by poll officers., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-2-587. Frauds by poll officers.
Any poll officer who willfully: Makes a false return of the votes cast at any primary or election; Deposits fraudulent ballots in the ballot box or certifies as correct a false return of ballots; Registers fraudulent votes upon any voting machine or certifies as correct a return of fraudulent votes cast upon any voting machine; Makes any false entries in the electors list; Destroys or alters any ballot, voter's certificate, or electors list; Tampers with any voting machine, direct recording electronic (DRE) equipment, electronic ballot marker, or tabulating machine or device; Prepares or files any false voter's certificate not prepared by or for an elector actually voting at such primary or election; or Fails to return to the officials prescribed by this chapter, following any primary or election, any keys of a voting machine; ballot box; general or duplicate return sheet; tally paper; oaths of poll officers; affidavits of electors and others; record of assisted voters; numbered list of voters; electors list; voter's certificate; spoiled and canceled ballots; ballots deposited, written, or affixed in or upon a voting machine; DRE, electronic ballot marker, or tabulating machine memory cards; or any certificate or any other paper or record required to be returned under this chapter shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years or to pay a fine not to exceed $100,000.00, or both. (Orig. Code 1863, § 1238; Code 1868, § 1319; Code 1873, § 1292; Code 1882, § 1292; Civil Code 1895, § 74; Civil Code 1910, § 84; Code 1933, § 34-1501; Code 1933, § 34-1921, enacted by Ga. L. 1964, Ex. Sess., p. 26, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 206, § 1; Ga. L. 1998, p. 295, § 1; Ga. L. 2003, p. 517, § 65; Ga. L. 2007, p. 536, § 11/SB 40; Ga. L. 2010, p. 914, § 33/HB 540; Ga. L. 2019, p. 7, § 49/HB 316.) The 2019 amendment, effective April 2, 2019, in paragraph (6), inserted ", electronic ballot marker", and substituted "tabulating machine" for "tabulating computer"; and, in paragraph (8), substituted semicolons for commas throughout, and inserted ", electronic ballot marker, or tabulating machine" near the end. Cross references. - Poll officers, § 21-2-90 et seq. Administrative Rules and Regulations. - Spoiled ballot definition, Official Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Georgia Election Code, Absentee Voting, § 183-1-14-.07. Law reviews. - For article on the 2019 amendment of this Code section, see 36 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 81 (2019).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 21-2-587
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 21-2-587 cover?
Section 21-2-587 ("Frauds by poll officers.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 21-2-587?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 21-2-587" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 21-2-587 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.