Haralson commissioners ask General Assembly to let county fill election‑board vacancies; measure passes 4–1 after debate

Haralson County commissioners voted 4–1 to approve a resolution asking the Georgia General Assembly to change local enabling legislation so that, in the event of a vacancy, the Haralson County Board of Commissioners would fill vacancies on the county Board of Elections rather than the governor. The measure implements a narrow change requested by the governor: remove the governor from the role of filling future vacancies and permit a local alternative.

Attorney Avery explained the mechanics: the change would be a local legislative amendment passed by the General Assembly, usually at the request of the county commissioners; the county cannot unilaterally change local enabling legislation without state action. Avery said the proposed resolution only requests that change and does not itself alter the current statutory framework.

Several commissioners supported the narrow move to comply with the governor's request and recommended pursuing broader reforms separately. One commissioner criticized the existing selection method as “antiquated,” objecting to involvement by parties, judges and the grand jury in appointment of board members and said the board of commissioners should be the appointing authority. That commissioner said prior deadlines for submission of names had been missed and argued the county ought to take responsibility for appointing the board in future.

After the debate, a motion to adopt the resolution as prepared by the county attorney passed 4–1. The dissenting commissioner said more comprehensive change needed further review before the commissioners signaled the county’s support to state legislators.