Georgia Democrats file lawsuit to block new election rules amid concerns of potential voter suppression and election integrity issues.
At a Glance
- Georgia Democrats sue to block new State Election Board rules
- Rules could allow county officials to delay certifying election results
- Democrats argue rules violate state law and exceed board’s authority
- Concerns raised about board members’ alleged ties to former President Trump
- Governor Kemp seeks legal opinion on removing board members
Democrats Challenge New Election Rules in Georgia
The state and national Democratic parties have filed a lawsuit to block two recently adopted rules by Georgia’s State Election Board. These rules, according to the lawsuit, could potentially allow county officials to refuse to certify an election, thereby delaying the finalization of state results. Democrats argue that these rules violate state law, which mandates certification as a mandatory duty.
The lawsuit, filed in Fulton County Superior Court, contends that the State Election Board has exceeded its legal authority. It states, “According to their drafters, these rules rest on the assumption that certification of election results by a county board is discretionary and subject to free-ranging inquiry that may delay certification or foreclose it entirely. But that is not the law in Georgia.”
Democrats are suing the Georgia election board over its attempt to change the state's election certification rules. @gringsam and @SymoneDSanders break down the legal drama – and how it could impact the race. pic.twitter.com/hyBxM5TxKz
— 11th Hour (@11thHour) August 27, 2024
Concerns Over Board Composition and Potential Impact
Democrats and voting rights activists have raised concerns that the State Election Board is now dominated by allies of former President Donald Trump. This has led to accusations that the new rules could potentially lead to post-election chaos and defy state law requiring county officials to certify results without discretion.
“The Georgia state elections board is becoming an equal co-conspirator in this effort to suppress our votes,” Democratic U.S. Rep Lucy McBath charged Monday in a news conference at the Georgia Capitol. “With passing this new rule, they are creating barriers to counting votes and certifying the election so Donald Trump can once again attempt to throw our country into chaos.”
On the other hand, pro-Trump Republicans argue that the rules ensure thorough examination of election results and increase transparency. Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon defended the rule changes, stating, “These common-sense changes will benefit all Georgians, regardless of political affiliation as they are all designed to increase transparency and public confidence regarding our elections.”
Democrats Demand Removal of Board Members
A coalition of Georgia elected officials, civil rights leaders, and clergy members is demanding the removal of three State Election Board members: Janice Johnston, Janelle King, and Rick Jeffares. State Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes delivered a letter to Governor Brian Kemp requesting their removal, accusing them of violating the code of ethics and the state’s open meetings law to pass new election regulations.
“Recently, I filed a formal complaint against three members of the Georgia State Election Board who have violated the very principles they swore to uphold,” the state senator said in a Monday statement. “These violations are not just legal technicalities; they strike at the heart of our democracy and the trust Georgians place in our election system. …Their actions undermine the will of the people, and we cannot stand idly by while they subvert the democratic process.”
Governor Kemp has asked Attorney General Chris Carr for an opinion on his authority to remove the board members. This move comes as elections continue to be a contentious issue in Georgia since the 2020 presidential election, with multiple election measures passed, including Senate Bill 202 (Election Integrity Act of 2021).
Ongoing Debate Over Election Integrity
The lawsuit filed by Democrats targets rules requiring a “reasonable inquiry” before certification and allowing examination of all election-related documentation. Critics argue that alleged fraud or misconduct should be handled by courts, not county officials. There’s uncertainty about whether counties could successfully refuse to certify, but any refusals would likely come from smaller, more Republican counties.
As the debate over election integrity continues, both Democrats and Republicans remain focused on ensuring transparency and fairness in Georgia’s electoral process. The outcome of this lawsuit and the potential removal of State Election Board members could have significant implications for the upcoming elections and the future of election administration in the state.
Sources:
1. Democrats sue to block Georgia rules that they warn will block finalization of election results
2. Georgia Dems demand governor remove three election board members
3. Georgia Election Board Faces Pressure From Both Sides
