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Board members say hiring details were leaked to Atlanta Journal‑Constitution and urge review
Summary
Several board members expressed concern that details about recent hires and applicants were leaked to the Atlanta Journal‑Constitution during the hiring process, and discussed seeking advice on whether an ethics complaint is appropriate. They said leaks undermine confidentiality in personnel matters.
Several members of the Georgia State Election Board told colleagues at the May 14 meeting that they were troubled by media reports revealing details of the agency’s hiring processes before the board had been informed.
Members said the Atlanta Journal‑Constitution published information about an applicant and later about a new hire in a way they described as disruptive and potentially damaging to recruitment. Board members raised the possibility that the information originated from the Secretary of State's office human‑resources process or other administrative sources and discussed pursuing an inquiry to identify the leak. One member asked whether a formal ethics complaint would be appropriate but acknowledged uncertainty about who to file against and the likely effectiveness of such a filing.
The board discussed whether personnel matters should be handled in executive session and noted the executive director has authority to begin hiring; some members said the administrative offices the board uses (the Secretary of State's HR) should be expected to exercise confidentiality and that unauthorized disclosures are unprofessional and interfere with the board’s functions.
No formal motion to file an ethics complaint was recorded. Members asked staff to explore options for raising confidentiality concerns with the Secretary of State's office and to seek legal advice about remedies and the proper route for any complaint.
