CARTERSVILLE — The Georgia State Conference of the NAACP stood before the Georgia Supreme Court on Wednesday, continuing its fight to protect voting rights and prevent undue election interference. At issue is whether the State Election Board, dominated by Republican appointees, exceeded its legal authority by imposing new rules just weeks before last year’s presidential election.
A Fulton County judge had previously struck down the board’s rules, and the state’s highest court denied a Republican-backed effort to reinstate them before Election Day. Now, with the case back in the Supreme Court, the Georgia NAACP remains firm in its stance that these election board changes threatened the integrity and accessibility of the voting process.
“The right to vote is sacred, and any attempt to undermine that right—especially through last-minute rule changes—must be challenged,” said Gerald Griggs, President of the Georgia NAACP. “We will not stand by while efforts are made to confuse voters and disrupt fair elections.”
The disputed election board rules included a requirement for a new “reasonable inquiry” process before certifying election results, as well as a hand count of ballots on election night. Critics, including the Georgia NAACP and the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, argue that such changes would lead to unnecessary delays and errors, potentially jeopardizing timely certification and disenfranchising voters.
Justice Nels Peterson raised concerns over the State Election Board’s unique power and whether its unilateral rule-making conflicted with the separation of powers outlined in the state constitution. Justice Charles Bethel echoed these concerns, noting that even other independent agencies, such as the Board of Natural Resources, must operate within the framework set by the legislature.
The Georgia NAACP and its allies have long fought against attempts to manipulate election procedures for partisan gain. In this case, the civil rights organization contends that the board’s rule changes were politically motivated, potentially providing a legal pretext for county election boards to delay or reject certified results. These concerns were heightened after former President Donald Trump publicly praised the Republican-controlled board for its aggressive approach to election oversight.
“This is not about election security—it’s about election control,” said attorney Theresa Jeane Lee, representing the Georgia NAACP. “The State Election Board does not have the authority to rewrite election laws, and these rules create unnecessary barriers that disproportionately impact Black and marginalized voters.”
The Supreme Court justices also heard arguments from Eternal Vigilance Action, a conservative advocacy group, which urged the court to uphold the lower court’s decision and limit the board’s power. Attorney Chris Anulewicz, arguing against one of the board’s rules expanding the placement of poll watchers, warned that the rule could enable intimidation of election workers.
The Georgia NAACP remains committed to ensuring that every voter’s voice is heard and that elections remain fair and free from partisan interference. As the Supreme Court deliberates, civil rights advocates await a ruling that could have significant implications for future election administration in Georgia and beyond.
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