Republicans in Fulton County, Georgia, are embroiled in a political fight with Democrats over representation. The county’s Board of Commissioners refuse to appoint two Republicans to the county election board.
According to the RNC, Georgia state law mandates that the Fulton County Board of Commissioners appoint Republican nominees to two seats that are allocated for them on the board of elections. A Georgia court ruled in favor of the Republicans being stonewalled for the positions, yet the Democrats still refuse to allow them on the board.
The standoff began in May when the “Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 to indefinitely table the appointments of Republican nominees Julie Adams and Jason Frazier to the Fulton County Election Board, while simultaneously approving two Democrat reappointments.” One of the reasons why they are being denied the positions appears to be due to political bias, with some of the Democrats claiming that the Republican nominees are too politically extreme.
“Democrat commissioners cited the GOP nominees’ political affiliations and past legal work as grounds for delay, with some labeling them ‘on the far right,’ despite Julie Adams currently serving on the Board,” read the release. The RNC has called the efforts a dishonest “partisan power grab” that directly violates the “legal obligation to include Republican representation” on the board.
“The Fulton County Board of Commissioners’ decision is a blatant, partisan power grab and a clear violation of law,” the RNC said in June. “It is unacceptable for Democrat commissioners to weaponize the appointment process to block Republican representation. Their attempt to disqualify Julie Adams and Jason Frazier — while reappointing Democrat nominees —undermines the rule of law and disadvantages tens of thousands of Republican voters in Fulton County.”
“Voters deserve an election board that fairly reflects the county’s citizens and not one rigged to serve the Democrats’ agenda,” read the release. “We will explore all options to ensure Republican voices are not silenced.”
“The court agreed with the Fulton County GOP and ordered the Commissioners to appoint the Republican nominees, but the Democrat-run Fulton County Board of Commissioners refused to obey the court order – prompting further legal action,” noted the release.
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RNC Chairman Michael Whatley and Georgia Republican Chairman Josh McKoon blasted the Democrats for playing political games. They applauded the court’s decision and said that Adams and Frazier have “every right” to be on the county’s board of elections.
“Republican nominees have every right to serve on the Fulton County Board of Elections,” Whatley and McKoon said in a joint statement. “The Democrats’ partisan power grab was rightfully struck down in court, yet they still refuse to follow the law and obey the court’s order. The RNC will support Fulton County GOP’s efforts to ensure their nominees receive the lawful appointments they deserve.”