Sorry for the confusion on my previous post. I meant the buyer of the option may have to request that their option be exercised if it is only slightly ITM (<$0.05). As was pointed out, the seller of that same option does not have that choice.
All options that are ITM by 0.01 at expiration are automatically exercised, unless you specifically request otherwise!
I just called my broker and this was confirmed by him. I have until 4:30pm EST to call him and give him instructions not to exercise that option.
Thanks for the details At least I now have a better understanding of the process of Assignment etc.. I noticed that GE IV has dropped over the last few days. Even on my short put options I sold for GE as well.