Janelle King, a media personality and co-founder of a conservative political action committee, has been appointed to the Georgia State Election Board by House Speaker Jon Burns. This board is responsible for developing election rules, investigating allegations of fraud, and making recommendations to state lawmakers. King replaces Ed Lindsey, a former Republican state lawmaker, and is the third new member appointed this year, joining the four Republican members and one Democrat already on the board. Her appointment was met with both praise and criticism from various political groups.
King, along with her husband, Kelvin King, co-chairs Let’s Win For America Action, a conservative political action committee. She has a background in Republican politics, having served in various roles within the Georgia Republican Party and conservative organizations. Despite her political affiliations, King has stated that she plans to use facts and data to make impartial decisions while serving on the board. She emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and putting personal feelings aside to make the best decisions for the people of Georgia.
The State Republican Party, represented by Chairman Josh McKoon, sees King’s appointment as a way to ensure a majority that aligns with their views on election integrity. McKoon expressed confidence that having a three-person majority on the board will help secure victory for Donald Trump in the upcoming election. However, progressive groups like the New Georgia Project Action Fund have raised concerns about the politicization of the board and its potential impact on election processes. They fear that King’s appointment could weaken the board’s power and efficacy, hindering access to fair and accessible elections for Georgia voters.
The State Election Board has faced increased scrutiny and polarization since the 2020 election cycle, with meetings often attracting vocal crowds with strong opinions about election procedures. Republican activists have called for changes in Georgia’s election process, including replacing electronic voting machines with paper ballots. King has yet to publicly share her stance on the voting machines issue but has emphasized her commitment to making informed and fair decisions based on her role on the board. Despite potential criticism and heckling, King remains confident in her ability to stay focused on her responsibilities and prioritize the best interests of Georgia voters.
As a Black conservative in a politically charged environment, King acknowledges the challenges she may face but remains steadfast in her dedication to serving the people of Georgia. While her appointment may bring about both praise and criticism from various political factions, King’s focus on transparency, fairness, and evidence-based decision-making is seen as a positive step towards ensuring integrity in the state’s election processes. The political landscape surrounding the State Election Board continues to evolve, with King’s appointment adding a new dynamic to the ongoing discussions and debates around election rules and procedures in Georgia.
