Review panel in Georgia could lead to takeover of local election board

Georgia's State Election Board appointed a bipartisan performance review panel to investigate potential violations of election law by officials in the largest county.

Georgia's State Election Board appointed a bipartisan independent performance review panel on Wednesday to investigate potential violations of election law by officials in Fulton, the state's largest county -- a move that could lead to the takeover of the county Registration and Elections Board. Under SB 202, the election code overhaul that Republican Gov. Brian Kemp enacted in March amid protests and outrage from Democrats and voting rights activists, members of the state legislature can now request a performance review of their respective county's local election board. The county reviews could lead to what critics have called a state "takeover" of local election branches. Once the Fulton County review is complete, if at least three members of the State Election Board determine that the review finds at least three violations in the last two general election cycles that have not been "sufficiently remedied," and that there is "clear and convincing evidence" that within the last two years, the county has shown "nonfeasance, malfeasance, or gross negligence" in election administration, a temporary election superintendent will be appointed by the Board to replace the multi-person local board of elections for at least nine months. If the Board votes to appoint a superintendent after reviewing the panel's written report, that superintendent will assume all the local board's responsibilities, which include hiring and firing power as well as certifying elections.