DeKalb elections board removes Jason Larry from voter rolls and strikes him from Stonecrest ballot

The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections voted Thursday to remove Jason Larry from the county voter rolls and to strike his name from the November ballot for Stonecrest City Council District 5.

The board made the decisions after public comment, presentation of public records and a formal challenge to Larry’s registration and candidacy. Executive Director Smith provided staff records and members heard objections from residents who said Larry’s federal convictions and supervision status rendered him ineligible under state law.

Why it matters: The action removes a candidate from a municipal contest days before ballot proofing is completed and follows multiple public speakers who urged the board to enforce Georgia’s eligibility rules. The board cited Georgia voting and candidacy law in reaching its determinations.

Board action and legal basis Staff and challengers centered their argument on Georgia law that bars persons convicted of felonies involving moral turpitude from registering, voting or holding office until statutorily required conditions are met. Executive Director Smith presented staff materials and public records showing federal convictions; challengers argued those convictions and Larry’s supervised-release status meant he had not completed the sentence conditions required under state law.

Following a hearing that included testimony from the challenger and submissions of public records, the board voted to remove Larry from the voter rolls and then voted to strike his name from the Stonecrest ballot. The board cited the Georgia code provision on voter eligibility and the provision of the state constitution that conditions holding office on restoration of civil rights and completion of the applicable waiting period.

Public comment and evidence Multiple residents spoke during public comment and during the challenge hearing. Speakers raised the conviction, supervised-release period, and the absence of a record showing restoration of civil rights. A city representative and the city attorney of Stonecrest confirmed the city had accepted Larry’s qualifying materials but said challenges to candidacy are properly handled by the county election superintendent.

Board procedure and notice Following the vote to cancel the registration, staff said Larry would receive a dated notice by mail informing him that he had been removed from the county voter rolls. Staff also confirmed the county had not completed final ballot proofing, so the board’s removal of his candidacy will be reflected on the ballot print files before they are finalized.

What the board said Executive Director Smith summarized staff records presented to the board. Challengers cited federal court records and public statements. The board said it considered the records, the applicable sections of Georgia law, and the testimony provided before taking action.

Next steps and appeal The board did not announce an internal appeal timetable during the meeting; Georgia law provides channels for judicial review of candidate-qualification decisions. The city of Stonecrest’s officials and the candidate’s counsel were present and could pursue available legal remedies.

Ending The board proceeded to other agenda items after the rulings and indicated it would complete required mailings and ballot updates with the changes to the rolls and candidate list.