ATLANTA (WJBF) - Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger praised the state's election effort and turnout with a record 5.3 million ballots being cast for the November elections.
In a press conference held on Tuesday, one week after Election Day, he said lines were short and wait times were minimal in this year's election despite record turnout.
"Thank you to all the Georgians in one of the most safest and secure elections," said Raffensperger. "Millions of voters showed up to vote and you voted in record numbers — nearly 5.3 million people. Georgia has one of the cleanest voting rolls in the country."
"Election integrity does not happen in the eleventh hour. It is planned years in advance that is why I made sure only American citizens vote in our efforts and I fought for photo ID for all forms of voting in Georgia," said Raffensperger.
The Secretary of State said despite 60 bomb threats, poll workers and election staff quickly resoled the issues and made the process seamless for voters.
Raffensperger added the recent slew of texts sent to some black voters about "picking cotton" post elections was also likely from foreign hackers.
"We believe that it's foreign and from Russia and that was happening in several locations across the country but the federal authorities will weigh on that and that is our initial determination," said Raffensperger.
By law, counties had one hour after polls closed to send in early voting and absentee ballot results and he said most met that and the handful that did not will face the state election board and likely face fines.
Counties have to certify election results by end of day Tuesday, and the state has to certify the results by Nov. 22.