Voters demand accountability in Cobb County election certification

During a recent Cobb County Board of Elections meeting, several residents voiced their concerns regarding new election rules and the importance of adhering to Georgia's election laws. Laura Judge, a voter and candidate for the upcoming 2024 election, emphasized the mandatory requirement for the county to certify election returns by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday following the election. She urged the board to comply with this legal obligation, highlighting the necessity of fulfilling their duties for the benefit of all citizens.

Kat Story, a long-time poll observer, expressed her worries about a new rule concerning reasonable inquiries, arguing that existing processes are sufficient and that changes could introduce unnecessary delays and biases into the election process. Veonti Joseph called for expanded early voting hours, including weekends, to enhance accessibility for all voters, particularly those with demanding schedules.

Sally Grubbs, chair of the Cobb County Republican Party, criticized the board for potentially charging citizens for voter challenges, asserting that maintaining clean voter rolls is the board's responsibility. She also raised concerns about the integrity of the election process, urging the board to ensure that no candidates' vehicles are used in connection with election activities.

Heather Talley Bauer and Elizabeth Hendrickson echoed the need for flexible voting options, particularly for early voting, to accommodate diverse voter needs. They highlighted the importance of maximizing weekend hours to facilitate participation, especially among working parents and older voters.

Debbie Newkowski raised alarms about a new voter cancellation portal, warning that it could lead to unauthorized removals of voter registrations. She urged the election staff to monitor cancellations closely and notify affected voters to protect their voting rights.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective call for transparency, adherence to legal obligations, and enhanced accessibility in the electoral process, as residents seek to ensure that their rights to vote are upheld in the upcoming elections.