The Georgia Republican Party has filed a lawsuit against Fulton County, accusing the county’s election officials of violating state law by keeping certain voter centers open over the weekend to accept absentee ballots. According to the GOP, this action extends the early voting period in predominantly Democratic areas and is in clear violation of Georgia’s drop box regulations.

In a statement released Friday night, the Georgia GOP argued that Georgia law mandates all ballot drop boxes be closed when early voting ends. Citing Code Section 21-5-385, the GOP noted, “all drop boxes shall be closed when the advance voting period ends.” They further stated, “This is a blatant violation of Georgia law” and warned that those responsible should face consequences.

Fulton County hired 15 Republican poll workers and 789 Democrat poll workers.

Fulton County established four special ballot drop boxes to receive absentee ballots after the deadline.

Fulton County ordered staff to not allow observers into the buildings to monitor these drop… https://t.co/IkME1qCUdB pic.twitter.com/gpDjLJYEVq

— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) November 2, 2024

The early voting period in Georgia ends on the Friday before the election, though voters can submit absentee ballots by mail or in person prior to Election Day. However, the Georgia GOP alleges that Fulton County’s decision to keep centers open for ballot drop-offs effectively reestablishes them as drop boxes, which the GOP claims violates election law.

According to reports, Fulton County officials have explained that the weekend availability is to “accommodate voters seeking to hand-return their absentee ballots.” The GOP has responded by saying that this accommodation is illegal and provides an advantage to Democratic-leaning areas, as the selected centers are in heavily Democratic districts.

BREAKING!🚨 The Georgia Republican Party warns of a last minute plan by Fulton County to ILLEGALLY accept absentee ballots in the final hour!

According to Fulton County’s press release they will be accepting absentee ballots Saturday and Sunday at four locations beginning at… pic.twitter.com/v89GAkdXon

— True the Vote (@TrueTheVote) November 2, 2024

The GOP’s statement expressed frustration that Fulton County officials may be using conflicting rules to justify these extended hours. “Fulton County’s patently illegal acts give us no choice but to immediately file suit,” the Georgia GOP said, emphasizing that such actions must be stopped to maintain election integrity.

The lawsuit underscores the Republican Party’s commitment to enforcing the state’s revised election laws, which include stricter guidelines on absentee ballots and ballot drop boxes. The court will soon decide whether Fulton County’s actions align with or contradict state election requirements.

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