Fulton County Democrats Block Republican Election Board Appointments Amid Controversy

Democrats in Fulton County, Georgia, are facing criticism for their refusal to confirm two Republican nominees to the county’s elections board, despite a court ruling that ordered their appointment. The situation has raised questions about election integrity and the role of discretion in voting decisions.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners, led by Democrats, has not confirmed Julie Adams and Jason Frazier, who were nominated by the Republican Party in May. This refusal comes despite state law mandating that county commissioners “shall” accept such appointments. Adams remains on the board as an incumbent, but the resignation of another Republican member, Mike Hegan, at the end of August will leave the board one Republican short if Frazier is not confirmed.

The Republican Party of Fulton County filed a lawsuit in June, which resulted in a favorable ruling from the court in early August. However, the board has yet to comply with the court’s order to confirm the nominees. A recent court ruling described the Democrats’ actions as a “bad faith” stall tactic.

Republican Commissioner Bridget Thorne attempted to introduce a motion to confirm Adams and Frazier, but it failed to pass. Democrat Commissioner Dana Barrett stated, “No judge can compel me to approve the nominations,” while asserting her respect for the rule of law.

Democrat Commissioner Mo Ivory echoed this sentiment, arguing that voting is discretionary. “No one should force an elected official or any voter to cast a particular vote,” Ivory said. Critics have pointed out the irony in these statements, noting that Adams has faced opposition from Democrats for exercising her own discretion in voting.

Adams previously declined to certify the results of the March presidential preference primary, claiming she was denied access to essential election materials. She filed a lawsuit seeking clarification on her role in certifying elections, arguing that her decision should be discretionary based on the lawfulness of the election process.

Initially dismissed on procedural grounds, Adams refiled her suit, which led to a ruling from Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney. The judge stated that no election board member may refuse to certify election results under any circumstance, even if the results appear nonsensical.

Ivory has cited Adams’ previous lawsuit as a reason not to confirm her, claiming that her actions cause chaos. However, the current stance taken by Democrats appears contradictory, as they now argue that voting is discretionary, a position they previously criticized.

The Democrat Party of Georgia had previously threatened criminal charges against board members who did not certify election results, further complicating the narrative surrounding election integrity in the county. Gabe Sterling, the chief operating officer of Georgia’s Secretary of State’s office, suggested that jurisdictions should have plans to threaten election officials with legal action if they do not comply with certification processes.

As the situation unfolds, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners remains divided, with Democrats blocking Republican nominations while asserting their right to discretion in voting. The implications of these actions could have lasting effects on the perception of election integrity in Georgia as the 2024 presidential election approaches.