After the affidavit is filed with the clerk of the superior court, a copy of the affidavit shall be personally served upon the defendant or sent to the defendant by certified mail in a sealed envelope with postage prepaid, addressed to the defendant at the place of residence named in the defendant’s affidavit of registration. The contestant shall make an affidavit of mailing if the contestant serves the affidavit by mail, and file it on the same day with the county elections official.