Local advocacy groups in Georgia are criticizing members of the state’s election board over a last-minute meeting held last Friday. Three members of the State Elections Board, including Rick Jeffares, Janelle King, and Dr. Janice Johnston, along with executive director Mike Coan, were present. Advocacy groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union Voter Access Project, expressed concerns about the lack of notice given for the meeting. The meeting was reportedly called to close out business from a previous session held on July 9, during which two new election rules were discussed. One rule would increase the number of poll watchers allowed at precincts, while the other required posting the number of voters at a location on the election board’s website. Some board members, including Sarah Tindall Ghazal, suggested that the meeting was not legitimate due to violations of the Open Meetings Act, which requires advance notice for non-emergency meetings. The State Attorney General’s Office warned about potential issues with the meeting. Despite concerns raised by advocacy groups and board members, the meeting proceeded, and the rules discussed will enter a public comment period on the Secretary of State’s website for 30 days. Following the public comment period, the State Election Board will officially vote on making the proposals rules. Advocates continue to raise questions about the transparency and legitimacy of the meeting.
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Concerns raised by groups at Georgia State Election Board meeting
