National and state Republican leaders have filed an appeal against a ruling by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox. The ruling invalidated seven election integrity measures recently approved by Georgia’s State Election Board, deeming them “illegal, unconstitutional, and void.” The Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Georgia Republican Party argue that the decision undermines the state’s efforts to enhance election transparency and accountability.
The decision came after a lawsuit from the organization Eternal Vigilance Action, led by former State Representative Scot Turner, a Republican, which claimed that the State Election Board overstepped its authority in implementing the rules. Judge Cox ordered that all state and local election officials be informed that these rules are void and should not be enforced. In response, RNC Chairman Michael Whatley described the ruling as “judicial activism” and vowed to continue the legal battle to maintain “commonsense rules” for the upcoming elections.
The now-invalidated rules included measures requiring proof of Identification for those delivering an absentee ballot in person and allowing county election officials to review documents after elections. Other provisions required absentee ballot drop-off to include both signature and photo ID verification, video surveillance of drop boxes after early voting hours, and expanded designated areas for partisan poll watchers at tabulation centers. Additionally, daily public updates on early voting turnout were mandated.
The Democratic Party and other ideologically aligned organizations celebrated the ruling, viewing it as a safeguard against potential manipulation of election outcomes. However, the RNC insists that these measures are essential for preventing election fraud, particularly as Georgia prepares for the 2024 presidential election.
After the release of the new rules, Georgia scored highly for election security. Historians point out the robust history of election fraud in the US dating back to New York’s Tammany Hall in the 1800s and the need to secure confidence in elections.
Georgia has been the epicenter of election denial since Democrat Stacey Abrams made controversial claims of a stolen election in 2018.
The Georgia Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case citing “issues of gravity and public importance” but has declined to expedite the process. The RNC requested they do so, and in the interim, put Judge Cox’s order on hold and reinstate the rules. The Supreme Court also denied this request. It is very likely that it will be months before Georgia’s highest court rules on this matter.