Georgia Democrats and voting rights advocates are urging Governor Brian Kemp to investigate three Republicans on the state election board following the passage of controversial election rules changes. Critics fear these changes could potentially delay the certification of the upcoming presidential election results.
Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath, along with other Georgia lawmakers, has called for disciplinary action against the board members. McBath labeled the new rules as 'restrictions on ballot access,' claiming they could disproportionately impact communities of color.
State Sen. Nabilah Islam-Parkes recently filed an ethics complaint against election board members Janelle King, Rick Jeffares, and Dr. Janice Johnston, alleging a violation of state law in implementing last-minute rules changes.
One of the contentious rules approved by the State Election Board involves allowing counties to conduct a 'reasonable inquiry' to ensure the accuracy of election tabulation and canvassing before certifying the results. Certification is a crucial step in the voting process to verify results with the secretary of state's office.
While the state election board traditionally handles ministerial duties before elections, recent partisan appointees have expanded the board's authority. State Rep. Sam Park argued that Governor Kemp has the power to investigate and remove board members for legal violations, though the extent of Kemp's authority remains unclear.
Chairman of the board, Independent John Fervier, was appointed by Kemp earlier this year. The ongoing dispute underscores the importance of upholding election integrity and ensuring a fair democratic process in Georgia.
