The ruling follows the two GOP nominees’ party-line rejection in May by the Democratic-controlled Fulton Board of Commissioners. The panel was sued by the Georgia Republican Party, which claimed the commission had a legal duty to accept the party’s nominations.
In Fulton, two GOP appointees, including Jason Frazier, have filed thousands of challenges to voter eligibility. Additionally, Julie Adams, the opposing party’s nominee and a current member of the election board, voted against certifying the primary election from the previous year.
Adams and at least eighteen other Georgia election board members declined to certify elections from 2020 to 2024, but following a court decision stating that certification is required, all election board members signed off on President Donald Trump’s victory in Georgia.
The duties of county election boards include establishing polling places, conducting and certifying elections, and identifying issues with voter eligibility.
The judge’s decision was assailed by Fulton Commissioner Marvin Arrington, who voted against Adams and Frazier’s May appointments to the elections board.
“This ruling treats us more like record-keepers than decision-makers, effectively eliminating our discretion as elected commissioners,” he said.
“I hope the commission will appeal the decision,” Arrington said.
Josh McKoon, the chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, praised the ruling, saying it makes it very evident to election boards in other blue counties that courts will not allow them to play political games with the Republican nominees.
Is it within our power to choose our representatives? McKoon stated. And Judge Emerson has stated unequivocally that we do, in response to that inquiry.
In 2023, the Georgia GOP filed a lawsuit against Fulton after the county turned down Frazier’s previous candidacy. However, the party then withdrew the lawsuit and nominated Michael Heekin, another member of the election board.
Requests for response from Adams, Frazier, and the Democratic Party of Georgia were not immediately answered.
