(ExpressTelegraph.com) — Republicans are crying foul after some election officials in metro Atlanta counties opened offices to collect absentee ballots.
According to the Republican National Committee, Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties decided at the last minute to accept ballots over the weekend, disregarding the law. A trio of Peach State politicians similarly said Fulton County officials’ actions to open four offices and deny election observers and poll watchers access violated state law.
“After 19 days of early voting, the Fulton County Board of Elections, without the knowledge of the Secretary of State’s office, violated the spirit of free and fair elections and the will of the General Assembly by opening four government buildings in order to receive absentee ballots,” state Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, said in a statement.
“This decision raises serious questions regarding the chain of custody of ballots, posing a threat to transparency in our elections,” Beach added. “We must do everything we can to promote trust among the electorate. The recent actions of the Fulton County Board of Elections have eroded that trust.”
GEORGIA REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN JOSH MCKOON CONDEMNS BLATANT VIOLATION OF GEORGIA POLL WATCHING LAW
“Emboldened by the failure of our judicial branch to stop their changing election rules days before Election Day, Georgia Democrats and their allies in Fulton County… pic.twitter.com/MUPmmBG2zY
— Josh McKoon (@JoshMcKoon) November 2, 2024
In a statement, state Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, said the “unelected Fulton elections workers then, in writing, told each other they were not allowed to have observers, clearly subverting the law and removing transparency.” In a statement, the RNC said its election integrity operation filed a lawsuit.
“Georgia voters demand that the state and courts ensure that these reckless counties administer fair, transparent, and secure elections. Anything less undermines public trust,” the RNC said in a statement.
A spokesman for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger referred to Twitter statements Raffensperger posted but apparently did not share with the media.
…The eyes of the world are on Fulton County. Local officials must ensure that every process from now until election day and after is transparent and in accordance with Georgia law, given the history of controversy in the county’s election administration. (2/2)
— GA Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (@GaSecofState) November 2, 2024
Under state law, election officials can receive absentee ballots in person at govt facilities if the county chooses.
Several counties have chosen to do this.
We are working with the counties and the political parties to ensure this is done transparently and within Georgia law.
— GA Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (@GaSecofState) November 2, 2024