In a decision that has sent shockwaves through Georgia’s political landscape, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox struck down seven key election rules established by the Georgia State Election Board (SEB). The ruling, delivered just weeks before the 2024 election, nullifies several measures designed to enhance election security, citing them as “illegal, unconstitutional, and void.”
The SEB rules, which were put in place in response to concerns over election integrity, required measures such as hand-counting ballots, signature verification for absentee ballots, and video surveillance of ballot drop boxes. These rules were introduced to ensure transparency and security in the election process, particularly around absentee ballots. However, Judge Cox’s ruling has effectively dismantled these efforts, sparking controversy and raising concerns about the potential impact on the upcoming election.
The case was brought forward by Eternal Vigilance Action, Inc., a conservative group, along with two Republicans: former state representative Scot Turner and Chatham County election board member James Hall. The plaintiffs argued that the SEB had overstepped its legal authority by implementing rules that exceeded the boundaries set by Georgia’s Election Code. They contended that these rules not only violated state law but also created unnecessary barriers to the voting process.
Judge Cox agreed with the plaintiffs, ruling that the SEB lacked the authority to enforce these new rules. In his decision, Cox stated that the SEB rules were “unsupported by Georgia’s Election Code” and were in conflict with both the state and U.S. constitutions.
Hellbound and Down 