Public commenters at the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections’ pre‑certification meeting urged the board to comply with a Department of Justice subpoena and court orders seeking access to 2020 ballots and election records.

John McDermott, a Georgia resident from Cobb County, told the board “Fulton County has spent millions of taxpayer dollars to hide the 2020 election records and original ballots,” and said the matter has generated multiple demands from private groups, civil suits and a criminal case. McDermott cited a state law he said took effect Jan. 1, 2025, that he described as making certain ballots public records.

Maria Gaudio told the board the DOJ and others had issued a subpoena and said “time is ticking away,” urging the BRE’s participation in whatever steps are required to comply. Several speakers framed access to the ballots as an issue of transparency and accountability for all Georgia voters, regardless of political affiliation.

Board members and staff declined to debate legal interpretation during the meeting. Director Williams answered questions from board members about custody and litigation: staff said the 2020 ballots and related records are currently in the possession of the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court and secured in the clerk’s warehouse. A board member noted the issue is the subject of existing litigation and that attorneys have been involved.

Member Adams stated on the record that she supported complying with the DOJ letter and requests, saying she did not intend to obstruct either the State Election Board or the Department of Justice. The board discussed whether an executive‑session legal discussion was warranted; staff and counsel have previously advised that subpoenas may raise legal issues covered by executive session.

What happens next: staff said the subject is in litigation and that the board would rely on counsel and the courts to resolve questions of access and custody. No new action to transfer or release ballots was taken at the meeting.