PRESS RELEASE: RightCount Applauds Georgia Supreme Court Ruling on Unconstitutional Actions of State Election Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2024

Atlanta, Ga. – RightCount earned its second major legal victory in Georgia, as the State Supreme Court announced this afternoon that it will allow the Oct. 17 Fulton County Superior Court ruling by Judge Thomas Cox Jr. to remain in place through the election. This unanimous ruling means that the State Election Board’s (SEB) last-minute rules, which Judge Cox found exceeded their statutory authority, will not be implemented prior to the November election. RightCount Georgia Chair, former State Senator Eric Johnson, lauded the decision:

“Today’s ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court is a significant victory for election confidence in our state. By denying the request for a stay, the Supreme Court has signaled their stamp of approval for the idea that the State Election Board cannot bypass the legislature and impose unconstitutional rules that jeopardize the stability and accuracy of our election process. Our amicus brief was crucial in this effort, and we are proud to have played a role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the secure elections that every Georgian deserves.”

Judge Cox’s original decision, which remains in place following appeal by the Georgia Republican Party, invalidated the SEB’s attempt to introduce new rules that would have caused unnecessary delays and confusion in the certification process, ruling that the SEB had overstepped its authority. The case, brought forward by prominent Republican plaintiffs, including former state Rep. Scot Turner and election board member James Hall, centered on protecting the separation of powers and ensuring that election laws reflect the will of the legislature, not unelected bureaucrats. RightCount filed an amicus brief in support of this case, joining a coalition of Georgia legislators who emphasized that the SEB’s actions threatened the integrity of the electoral process. Senator Johnson added:

“This decision reinforces our commitment to transparency and constitutionality in Georgia’s elections. The Supreme Court has made it clear that fair elections are not something that can be manipulated through rank activism and constitutional overreach.”

RightCount remains dedicated to advocating for fair and accurate elections, ensuring that Georgia’s electoral system remains secure and accountable to the people. For more information on RightCount’s efforts, visit www.rightcount.org/georgia.

Press Contact:
Jay Walker, jay@linkpublicaffairs.com

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