Georgia Republicans are threatening to sue Fulton County, a Democratic stronghold, after it announced extended hours for election offices to accommodate voters handing in their existing absentee ballots. The state GOP claims that this violates Georgia law, specifically regarding the closure of drop boxes at the end of the advance voting period. Republicans argue that the extended hours for turning in absentee ballots over the weekend go against the state’s rules. They also allege that the election office locations are situated in areas of the county that will favor Democratic candidates.
Fulton County, which includes Atlanta, is expected to be crucial for Democrats’ chances of winning Georgia again in 2024, as it was one of several counties to keep election offices open this weekend for voters wanting to submit their absentee ballots in-person. Drop boxes provide a way for voters to turn in their absentee ballots without human contact. Despite the threat of legal action from Georgia Republicans, NPR’s Stephen Fowler reported that multiple counties are extending hours to help voters hand in their existing absentee ballots, which is not illegal as they are not using drop boxes.
In a separate case, a Fulton County Superior Court judge rejected a bid by Republicans to force the county to hire more GOP poll workers for Election Day. The GOP accused the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections of not hiring enough Republican poll workers, with only nine out of 45 qualified applicants hired for early voting and six out of 62 for Election Day. Judge Kevin Farmer declined to order emergency measures to force more Republican poll workers to be hired by Tuesday.
During Georgia’s early voting period, more than 439,000 active voters in Fulton County cast either absentee or early in-person ballots. The county saw a higher voter turnout among women compared to men, as well as significant participation from White and Black active voters. In the 2020 election, former President Trump lost Georgia to President Biden by a narrow margin of less than 12,000 votes. Fulton County’s role in the state’s elections and its demographic composition make it a key area for both parties to secure support.
The extended hours for turning in absentee ballots and the dispute over poll worker hiring in Fulton County highlight the ongoing tensions around election administration and access in Georgia. With the 2024 election looming, both Republicans and Democrats are closely monitoring counties like Fulton for any changes that could impact voter turnout and election outcomes. The legal threats from Georgia Republicans against Fulton County add to the complexity and controversy surrounding election procedures, particularly in a state that has been closely watched for its electoral significance. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these disputes will be resolved and what impact they may have on future elections in Georgia.
