Georgia Republicans Sue Fulton County For Allegedly Breaking Ballot Drop Box Law

The Georgia GOP has filed a lawsuit against Fulton County, claiming election officials are breaking state law by accepting absentee ballots over the weekend at certain voting centers. According to the GOP, these actions unlawfully extend early voting in Democratic-heavy areas and violate ballot drop box regulations established by state law.

In their statement, issued late Friday night, the Georgia GOP referenced Code Section 21-5-385, which requires all drop boxes to be closed once early voting ends. The GOP argues that Fulton County’s decision disregards this rule. “This is a blatant violation of Georgia law,” the party stated, calling on election officials to end the practice immediately.

Georgia election law mandates that early voting ends on the Friday before an election, though voters are still allowed to submit absentee ballots in person or by mail up until Election Day. The GOP, however, contends that Fulton County’s actions essentially create unauthorized drop boxes, which the party views as illegal.

Reports indicate that Fulton County is keeping select voter centers open over the weekend “to accommodate voters seeking to hand-return their absentee ballots.” The Georgia GOP argues that this move favors Democratic-leaning areas, where these centers are located, creating an unfair advantage.

The GOP’s lawsuit warns that Fulton County’s actions could undermine the state’s election integrity laws. “This must be stopped immediately, and those willfully breaking Georgia law should be held accountable,” the Georgia GOP said, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.

The lawsuit underscores the state GOP’s commitment to ensuring compliance with Georgia’s updated election laws, which restrict ballot drop box use and specify procedures for absentee ballots. The court will now evaluate whether Fulton County’s practices align with these requirements.

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