Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has turned to the state attorney general for advice on whether he has the authority to remove three Republican members of the State Election Board (SEB) after Democrats launched a campaign accusing them of ethics violations. The complaints, filed by state Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D) and others, allege that the GOP board members have taken actions that could compromise the fairness of Georgia’s elections.
The complaints, which were submitted to Kemp on August 19 and made public this week, have led to accusations that Democrats are waging an “intimidation campaign” to disrupt the work of the SEB. The allegations include claims that the board members adopted rules that interfere with elections, illegally coordinated with the Georgia Republican Party, and held a secret meeting in July 2024.
Kemp’s office issued a statement indicating that they have sought the attorney general’s guidance due to uncertainty over whether the governor has the legal authority to act on the complaints. “Due to uncertainty regarding whether this office has authority to act under Code Section 45-10-4 in response to these complaints, we have sought the Attorney General’s advice regarding the application of the statute to the letters,” the statement reads.
Election integrity advocates have criticized the complaints, arguing that they are politically motivated and intended to intimidate the SEB for following state law. Ken Cuccinelli, National Chairman of the Election Transparency Initiative, pointed out that Senator Parkes had the opportunity to address any legislative concerns but did not, suggesting that the complaints are part of a broader effort to undermine the board’s work.
Janelle King, one of the GOP SEB members targeted by the complaints, defended the board’s actions, stating that their focus is on ensuring the integrity of the election process. “It’s not about the outcome, it’s about the process,” she said.
As Gov. Kemp awaits the attorney general’s advice, the controversy underscores the ongoing political battles over election integrity in Georgia and the potential for political interference in the state’s electoral process.
