The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections set probable-cause hearings for five registration challenges and directed staff to attempt to schedule an earlier special-called meeting if a quorum of board members can be secured.

At the Jan. 9 meeting board staff reported five challenges to registrations filed in August and September (filed Aug. 19, Aug. 26, Sept. 3, Sept. 4 and Sept. 19). Anthony Lewis initially moved to hold hearings a week from the meeting; after scheduling concerns and discussion among members, Board member Susan Motter moved to set the hearings on the next regular board meeting, Feb. 13 at 4:30 p.m., and to direct staff to attempt to arrange a specially called meeting sooner if a quorum of board members could be confirmed. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Staff told the board that under Georgia law a probable-cause hearing has different notice requirements than other proceedings and that staff will follow the applicable statutory notice and procedural rules in scheduling and giving notice of any hearings.

The challenges were described in the board packet as five separate filings submitted in late summer and early fall; staff will prepare the materials needed for the hearings, contact the parties, and post meeting notices consistent with statutory requirements.

No formal record roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes; the board approved the motion by a voice vote. Staff will notify challengers and publish the hearing schedule once details are finalized.