Georgia Republicans are challenging Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger over access to the state’s Election Night Reporting Room ahead of Tuesday’s primary elections. State Sen. Greg Dolezal, along with U.S. House candidate Christopher Mora and Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill, filed an emergency lawsuit in Fulton County Superior Court, seeking access for poll watchers and State Election Board observers.
The lawsuit argues that Georgia law requires transparency throughout all stages of elections, including vote counting and reporting. The plaintiffs say Raffensperger’s refusal to allow observers into the reporting room violates these requirements and raises concerns about impartial oversight, especially as Raffensperger himself is on the ballot in the Republican primary.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has joined the call for transparency, urging the Department of Justice to get involved. “Georgians demand transparency and integrity in our elections,” Jones said, emphasizing the importance of independent monitoring. U.S. Rep. Clay Fuller also requested that congressional observers be allowed to oversee every stage of the vote reporting process.
Fuller cited Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution, which gives Congress authority to judge the elections of its own members, and referenced federal law requiring states to permit congressional observers in locations where election results are processed, tabulated, or certified. His office offered to provide staff to assist with observation if needed.
Raffensperger responded, stating that votes are not counted in the state’s Election Night Reporting Room and emphasizing that vote counting occurs at local election offices and tabulation centers. He also suggested that the lawsuit was politically motivated to attract attention ahead of the primary elections.
The dispute highlights ongoing debates over election transparency and oversight in Georgia, with both parties emphasizing the importance of public confidence in the process. Court proceedings are expected to continue as voters head to the polls.