ATLANTA (November 2, 2024) — Today, Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism Chairman Brandon Beach (R – Alpharetta), Senate Committee on Public Safety Chairman John Albers (R – Roswell) and Senate Committee on Rules Chairman Matt Brass (R – Newnan) issued statements following the decision by unelected and interim Fulton election bureaucrats on opening four election offices for the purpose of collecting absentee ballots and denying election observers and poll watchers.
“After 19 days of early voting, the Fulton County Board of Elections, without the knowledge of the Secretary of State’s office, violated the spirit of free and fair elections and the will of the General Assembly by opening four government buildings in order to receive absentee ballots,” said Sen. Brandon Beach. “This decision raises serious questions regarding the chain of custody of ballots, posing a threat to transparency in our elections. We must do everything we can to promote trust among the electorate. The recent actions of the Fulton County Board of Elections have eroded that trust.”
“I am deeply concerned by the recent decisions made by unelected and interim Fulton elections workers. These actions were taken without the approval of the Fulton Elections Board, Fulton County Commissioners or the Secretary of State. These same unelected Fulton elections workers then, in writing, told each other they were not allowed to have observers, clearly subverting the law and removing transparency,” said Sen. John Albers. “When we questioned the interim Elections Director, she misrepresented facts and was uncooperative. We will continue to monitor this ongoing situation and have been in contact with the Secretary of State’s office and legal counsel regarding these issues. It is paramount that we ensure public trust and promote transparency in our election process.”
“Transparency on the front end of the election process is how to prevent confusion on the back end. Our state laws are designed to do just that and must be followed, Fulton County is no exception,” said Sen. Matt Brass.
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Sen. Brandon Beach serves as the Chairman of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee. He represents the 21st Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee and Fulton counties. He may be reached at 404.463.1378 or by email at brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov
Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov
Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 28th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Douglas and Fulton County. He can be reached by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov