The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that absentee ballots mailed late in Cobb County will only be counted if they arrive back to election officials by Election Day, sparking GOP leaders to celebrate the decision. The ruling came after about 3,000 absentee ballots were mailed late to voters in Cobb County, with a county judge initially ruling that the ballots could be counted if they arrived by Nov. 8. However, the state Supreme Court granted an emergency motion stating that ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day. This decision was a victory for Republicans, who argued that Election Day should not be extended.
The ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court comes after the ACLU, ACLU of Georgia, and Southern Poverty Law Center filed a lawsuit regarding the delayed absentee ballots in Cobb County. The organizations urged affected voters to prioritize voting in person on Election Day if possible, following the Supreme Court’s decision. The ACLU expressed disappointment in the ruling, stating that the earlier extension deadline issued by a lower court to protect voters’ constitutional right to vote was no longer in effect. The Supreme Court’s decision to deny the extension deadline was seen as a setback for voters who had requested absentee ballots on time but did not receive them promptly.
The RNC chair celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision as a “HUGE election integrity victory” in Georgia, emphasizing the importance of Election Day as the deadline for ballots. The ruling clarified that only absentee ballots received by the statutory deadline of 7 p.m. on Election Day would be counted, in accordance with state law. The case in Cobb County highlighted the challenges of ensuring timely ballot delivery and the impact on voters’ ability to participate in the election. Republicans saw the ruling as a success in upholding election integrity and preventing ballots from being counted after the established deadline.
The victory in Georgia over the absentee ballot issue was seen as a significant win for Republicans, with the GOP leadership taking a victory lap following the Supreme Court decision. The legal battle over the absentee ballots in Cobb County highlighted the behind-the-scenes challenges and legal disputes that can impact the integrity of the election process. The ruling clarified the deadline for absentee ballots to be counted and emphasized the importance of Election Day as the cutoff for voting. Republicans praised the decision as a defense of election integrity and a victory in upholding the law.
The ruling in Georgia regarding absentee ballots reflected the ongoing legal battles and controversies surrounding the 2024 election. The ACLU and other organizations expressed disappointment in the Supreme Court’s decision, highlighting concerns about voters’ rights and access to the ballot. The legal challenges and rulings in Cobb County brought attention to the complexities of election administration and the need to ensure fair and timely ballot processing. The outcome of the case underscored the importance of upholding election laws and deadlines to protect the integrity of the election process.
Overall, the Georgia Supreme Court ruling on absentee ballots in Cobb County had significant implications for the integrity of the election and voter access to the ballot. The decision clarified the deadline for absentee ballots to be counted, highlighting the challenges of ensuring timely ballot delivery and the impact on voters’ ability to participate in the election. Republicans celebrated the ruling as a victory for election integrity, while the ACLU expressed disappointment in the outcome. The legal battle underscored the complexities of election administration and the ongoing controversies surrounding the 2024 election.
