(PatriotNews.net) – Georgia Republicans are planning to sue Fulton County over its decision to extend election office hours for in-person ballot drop-offs this weekend. Fulton County, which includes Atlanta and leans heavily Democratic, announced it would open four election offices to let voters return absentee ballots in person.
The state GOP quickly pushed back, saying these extended hours break Georgia law. “This is a blatant violation of Georgia law,” the state Republican Party stated, referencing a rule that says all drop boxes must close when early voting ends. The GOP argued that these weekend hours favor Democratic areas, hinting that Fulton County’s decision could impact the 2024 election outcome, especially since Democrats are hoping to keep Georgia blue.
Fulton County is not the only place in the state to offer these in-person ballot returns, which are different from using a drop box. Drop boxes were available only during early voting from October 15 to November 1. But, according to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, counties can choose to accept absentee ballots turned in at election offices, even after early voting ends. “Under state law, election officials can receive absentee ballots in person at government facilities if the county chooses,” Raffensperger explained, adding that his office is working with both political parties to ensure this process is clear and within legal boundaries.
The Fulton County elections office has been under scrutiny by Republicans for other reasons as well. Recently, Republicans tried to require more GOP poll workers to be hired for Election Day, arguing that there weren’t enough Republican representatives at polling places. They claimed that while nine out of 45 GOP applicants were hired for early voting, only six out of 62 were chosen for Election Day. However, a local judge declined to order emergency measures to bring in more poll workers, though he said the matter could be reviewed later.
In 2020, Georgia was a close battleground state, with President Biden winning by less than 1%—around 12,000 votes. Now, Republicans are focused on tightening election rules in the state, arguing that small decisions could have a big impact on close races.
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