State Election Board Names Bipartisan Panel To Review Fulton Voting

(Atlanta) – The State Election Board voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint a bipartisan panel to review Fulton County’s alleged mismanagement of elections, the first step in a process that could result in the State Election Board appointing a new elections superintendent in Fulton County.

“I have been saying for a long time that the state needs the authority to step in when counties have consistently failed their voters,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “I’m pleased that the state finally has that authority and that the State Election Board has taken the first step today. I’m confident that the performance review team will do a good job, and I hope Fulton will cooperate with this process.”

In June 2020, Raffensperger proposed giving the state authority to replace chronically mismanaged county election officials during an Atlanta news conference days after the chaotic primary in Fulton County.

His proposal was included in the Georgia Election Integrity Act of 2021 enacted this year which establishes procedures for the State Election Board to replace the head of a county’s election operation based on repeated instances of mismanagement. Wednesday’s appointment was triggered by letters from Fulton Republican legislators who requested the review.

The law requires the panel make a written report to the State Election Board. After that report is submitted, the Board will determine if further action is required.

The performance review panel is made up of Stephen Day, a Gwinnett County Elections Board member; Rickey Kittle, Catoosa County Elections Board chairman; and Ryan Germany, general counsel to the Secretary of State’s office.

“I am honored to be asked to serve the State Election Board and our state legislature as a member of the Performance Review Panel,” said Kittle. “I look forward to working with my fellow Performance Review Panel members as we review the elections processes in Fulton County and make recommendations that we believe will ensure the integrity of Georgia elections.”

Day also accepted the appointment.

"I appreciate the faith shown me by the appointing bodies in placing me on the Performance Review Panel, and I look forward to working with the other members," he said. "I view my role as one of assistance, validation, and improvement regarding election processes in Fulton County."

 

 

###