Georgia state election board rules on certification trial
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s State Election Board determined Monday that there is enough evidence to move forward with a case alleging election irregularities in a state Senate race between incumbent Republican Sen. William Ligon and challenger Sheila McNeill, a Democrat.
The five-member board voted to allow a hearing on the matter, following a recommendation from the secretary of state’s office. The case will now be transferred to an administrative law judge, who will hold a hearing and then issue a report with recommended findings of fact and conclusions of law to the board for final action.
The hearing is expected to take place within the next three weeks, although no exact date has been set yet.
McNeill’s attorney, Jake Evans, raised concerns about possible illegal activities during the November election and the January runoff. He presented evidence to the board, including witness testimony and documentation, to support his claims.
Ligon’s attorney, Josh Belinfante, argued that the case should be dismissed, saying there is no legal basis for the allegations. He also expressed concerns about the timing of the hearing, noting that it could interfere with the legislative session.
The State Election Board’s decision comes as Georgia Republicans are pushing for further scrutiny of the state’s election process following the 2020 presidential election, which saw President Joe Biden win the state by a narrow margin. Several election-related bills are currently being considered in the state Legislature.
Georgia has become a focal point in the national debate over election integrity, with Republicans and Democrats clashing over voting laws and procedures in the state. The outcome of the certification trial in the Ligon-McNeill race could have broader implications for future elections in Georgia and beyond.
The State Election Board’s decision to move forward with the case indicates that they believe there is enough evidence to warrant further investigation into the allegations of election irregularities. The upcoming hearing will provide an opportunity for both sides to present their arguments and evidence before a final decision is made.
As the case moves forward, all eyes will be on Georgia as it continues to navigate the complex and contentious issues surrounding election integrity and security. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching effects on future elections in the state and may serve as a bellwether for similar cases across the country.