November 2, 2024
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has filed a lawsuit against Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties in Georgia after election officials in these counties extended office hours to accept absentee ballots over the weekend—a move the RNC claims violates state law. The suit also alleges that these counties are blocking Republican poll watchers from observing the absentee ballot collection, sparking concerns over transparency and election integrity.
According to a statement released by the Georgia Republican Party on Friday, the counties’ decision to keep ballot drop boxes open after the official advance voting period conflicts directly with Georgia election law. The law mandates that “all drop boxes shall be closed when the advance voting period ends.” The Republican Party argues that this decision potentially tips the scales in favor of Democratic candidates, given the location of these extended-hours election offices in traditionally Democratic areas.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley voiced strong objections to the counties’ actions, saying, “Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties decided at the last minute to accept ballots over the weekend — which disregards the law. They have also failed to let our poll observers in to watch the process. The Secretary of State has issued guidance to allow Republican poll watchers in, but local officials REFUSE.”
The RNC’s legal filing claims that blocking Republican poll watchers from the absentee ballot process is not only a violation of the law but also diminishes the transparency needed to ensure fair election practices. The lawsuit comes on the heels of the state GOP’s recent warnings, emphasizing that unauthorized absentee ballot collection could lead to legal action if counties do not comply with the law.
Georgia’s Absentee Ballot Controversy Continues
Fulton County, which includes Atlanta, is one of several counties to announce extended weekend hours for absentee ballot collection. The county election offices remained open to accommodate voters who wished to submit absentee ballots in person, with the intention of easing access to ballot drop boxes. However, the RNC maintains that Georgia law only allows absentee ballot drop-off through early voting, which ended on November 1.
“Democrat-led counties know they’re bending the rules,” a statement from the Georgia Republican Party reads. “With extended hours and last-minute decisions, they’re doing everything they can to flood the ballot boxes with sketchy mail-in ballots while counting without GOP poll watchers.”
In response to the RNC’s lawsuit, county election officials argue that the extended hours were set up to address potential delays and ensure voters had every opportunity to submit their absentee ballots. However, some Republican leaders see the move as an attempt to sway the election results.
Recent Court Ruling Adds Fuel to the Fire
The legal dispute over absentee ballots in Georgia was heightened by a court ruling on Friday that allows Cobb County voters to submit absentee ballots through November 8, three days after the official Election Day. This ruling came after it was reported that at least 1,000 absentee ballots were sent out late to out-of-state voters. This extension has stirred concerns among Republican leaders, who worry that extending the absentee ballot window beyond Election Day could lead to further complications in the vote-counting process.
With tensions already running high, the RNC’s lawsuit underscores the ongoing partisan divide over election procedures and absentee voting in Georgia—a battleground state pivotal to the 2024 elections. As the election draws closer, Republicans and Democrats remain locked in disputes over what constitutes fair access to voting and election transparency.
What’s Next?
As the legal proceedings unfold, Georgia’s Secretary of State and the courts will have to determine the validity of the RNC’s claims and the legality of the counties’ extended absentee ballot hours. In the meantime, both parties are calling on their supporters to remain vigilant and report any potential irregularities at polling locations.
The RNC’s lawsuit represents a high-stakes battle to maintain election integrity and ensure that all votes are counted lawfully. With mounting scrutiny on Georgia’s election system, this case could have a lasting impact on absentee voting rules and election protocols in the state.
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