Georgia’s State Elections Board is facing scrutiny over recent actions related to voting rules and oversight. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger acknowledged that the board is in disarray, but did not comment further. The board, made up of three Republican members and one Democratic member, voted on proposed rules without the presence of the full board, leading to accusations of illegitimacy. Critics, including the left-leaning group American Oversight, have threatened legal action due to alleged violations of state law.
The controversial meeting on Friday led to calls for the removal of the Republican board members involved. Fulton County Election Board Chair Cathy Woolard filed a complaint with Governor Brian Kemp, accusing the members of violating ethics and open meeting laws. The Georgia Democratic Party also denounced the meeting as improper and demanded a public acknowledgment of its illegality.
Amidst the turmoil, some, like Marilyn Marks of the Coalition for Good Governance, are calling for a reset in the board’s priorities to address the dysfunction. Questions remain about the legality of the board’s actions and the authority of the governor to remove the officials involved. The situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding election integrity and oversight in Georgia.
Overall, the Georgia State Elections Board’s recent actions have sparked controversy and criticism, leading to threats of legal action and calls for accountability from various stakeholders. The debate underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to legal protocols in electoral processes.
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