Georgia’s Fulton County has taken steps to ensure the integrity of its elections for this year’s general election by hiring a team of independent monitors. The proposal to monitor Fulton’s elections came after the State Election Board raised concerns about the county’s operations, including findings of double-scanning of some ballots during a recount in 2020. The county ultimately chose a monitoring proposal that was opposed by the Republican majority on the State Election Board, but the state Attorney General confirmed that the county had the right to make this decision voluntarily.
The monitoring team, which includes Carter Jones, a monitor who oversaw the county’s 2020 election, as well as Ryan Germany and Matt Mashburn, will work to ensure a well-run election in 2024. Fulton County, which is the state’s most populous county and includes most of Atlanta, has faced scrutiny in the past for issues such as long lines and slow reporting of results. The county’s elections came under national attention after then-President Trump claimed, without evidence, that widespread voter fraud in Fulton County cost him the 2020 election.
Despite opposition from Republican officials, the Fulton County commissioners approved a contract with the monitoring team, showing their commitment to conducting a fair and transparent election. The monitoring team will receive extensive support from the Carter Center, an organization known for monitoring elections worldwide. The team will monitor polling sites, attend poll worker training sessions, and oversee equipment testing to ensure a smooth election process. This comes after a performance review last year found that Fulton County had made significant improvements in its election operations.
The selection of the monitoring team faced backlash from Republicans, who argued that individuals closely involved in the 2020 election, such as Germany and Jones, should not be part of the team. The State Election Board’s conservative majority, along with Republicans on Fulton County’s election board and county commission, opposed the chosen monitoring proposal. However, Democrats on the Fulton election board emphasized the need to move forward with the selected team as the election date approached. The county’s decision to prioritize election integrity through independent monitoring demonstrates a commitment to conducting fair and secure elections.
The evolving process of selecting the monitoring team involved discussions among county commissioners, election board members, and state officials. Democrats on the Fulton County election board supported the proposal by Germany, while Republican members raised concerns about the lack of approval from the State Election Board. The State Election Board’s conservative majority expressed dissatisfaction with the monitoring team chosen by Fulton County but did not provide a written proposal for an alternative. The county proceeded with its chosen team to ensure a thorough monitoring process leading up to the general election in 2024.
Overall, Fulton County’s decision to engage independent monitors for the upcoming general election reflects a commitment to improve election operations and ensure transparency in the electoral process. By working with experienced monitors like Germany, Jones, and Mashburn, the county aims to address previous election challenges and provide voters with a smooth and reliable voting experience. Despite political disagreements and objections from some officials, the county’s efforts to enhance election integrity demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing past issues and building trust in the electoral system. With the monitoring team in place, Fulton County is poised to conduct a successful and credible general election in the future.
