The Georgia State Election Board (SEB) recently passed a series of election integrity rules meant to ensure elections would be fair and accurate. But those rules will not be in effect for the upcoming election because the Georgia Supreme Court declined to expedite a Republican-led appeal of a lower court ruling that nullified the election integrity rules.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox ruled last Wednesday that “the SEB lacked constitutional authority to enact” seven rule proposals. Cox argued that it is the state legislature that has the authority to regulate elections despite the SEB being responsible for “promulgating rules and regulations to promote uniformity in election practices … [and] developing rules and regulations about what constitutes a vote that will be counted,” as outlined by the secretary of state’s office.
The Republican National Committee and the Georgia Republican Party appealed the ruling, seeking expedited review of the case before Election Day. Their request for an expedited appeal was denied without any reason.
“When the appeal is docketed in this Court, it will proceed in the ordinary course,” the Georgia Supreme Court said in its decision.
SEB Member Janelle King said in a statement to The Federalist that “despite these challenges” she remains “committed to ensuring transparency and will closely monitor every step of the election process.”
“I believe these rules can be effectively implemented for the upcoming election,” King said. “However, the final decision rests with the courts. Unfortunately, the timing of public notice and the Secretary
