It seems the comedy of errors that is Fulton County’s election management continues to unfold with all the twists and drama of a bad soap opera, except it’s not just ratings at stake—it’s the integrity of our electoral process. Despite glaring mishaps in the handling of the 2020 presidential election, which now includes over 3,000 double-counted ballots, Georgia’s State Election Board (SEB) has chosen merely to slap the county on the wrist, rather than take meaningful action.
This egregious decision came even after it was revealed that Fulton County had more than 380,000 ballot images go missing. And, in a baffling twist, the county’s legal counsel claimed ignorance of these missing ballots right up until the SEB’s inquiry. What’s more, the county has been outright combative, refusing to comply with subpoenas that could potentially unveil the extent of the irregularities. It’s clear, Fulton County’s election officials have turned obfuscation and noncompliance into an art form.
The board’s feeble response to these severe violations is an insult to Georgian voters. It’s as if the SEB is content to let bygones be bygones, brushing off infractions that could very well influence electoral outcomes. The irony is thick here; the board tasked with safeguarding our elections is the same body undermining their credibility. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of having watchdogs who do more than just bark when our democratic processes are threatened.
In a state that found itself at the epicenter of 2020’s electoral controversies, you’d expect a firmer stance on election integrity. Instead, what we have is a state board that sees over 140 violations of election laws and rules and decides to treat them as minor infractions. This isn’t just negligence; it’s a dereliction of duty that threatens the very fabric of our republic.
Americans should be outraged—not just at Fulton County, but at a state apparatus that allows such blatant disregard for the rule of law to go unchecked. This isn’t just about one county or one state; it’s about the precedent it sets for elections across America. If the guardians of our democracy are asleep at the wheel, who’s really steering the ship?
The need for real, substantial election reform has never been clearer. As we look to future elections, let’s not forget the lessons of Fulton County. We need accountability, transparency, and officials who understand the gravity of their responsibilities—anything less undermines the very democracy they’re sworn to protect.
