A nonprofit watchdog group has filed a lawsuit against the Georgia State Election Board, accusing them of violating the Open Meetings Act by holding a meeting without proper notice or a quorum. The three Republican members of the board gave initial approval to rules changes during a special meeting last week, including requiring daily updates on election websites and giving poll watchers more access on election nights. The lawsuit alleges that the meeting notice was posted late, in a location not typically used for notices, and that the meeting was held with members absent or attending virtually, violating the Open Meetings Act.
American Oversight, the group behind the lawsuit, argues that the actions of the board were a clear violation of the law and that attempts to push through controversial rule changes without public notice are undemocratic. The lawsuit seeks to have the rules changes declared null and void and the meeting itself declared invalid. The final vote on the rules changes is expected to take place on August 6.
Georgia’s Open Meetings Act is crucial for transparency and accountability in democracy, ensuring that official actions are conducted in full view of the public. The lawsuit highlights the importance of following these laws to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. The State Election Board has yet to respond to the lawsuit.
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