The U.S. Justice Department has initiated legal action against Fulton County, Georgia, seeking access to ballots from the controversial 2020 presidential election. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Atlanta, centers on records tied to President Donald Trump’s loss in that election.
Key Details of the Lawsuit
The eight-page complaint names Che Alexander, the Fulton County Clerk of Courts, as a defendant. It accuses Alexander of violating the Civil Rights Act by failing to provide requested election records to state and federal authorities. The lawsuit demands that the court compel the production of these documents within five days of its order.
Background of the Case
- The Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections recently declined to comply with an October 6 subpoena from the state’s election office.
- Election records sought include used and void ballots, stubs, and signature envelopes.
- In a November 14 response, the board stated these records are “under seal” in accordance with state law.
Additionally, the lawsuit notes that the board did not reply to a letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi dated October 30. Bondi requested the records to evaluate compliance with federal election laws.
Implications of the Fulton County Case
The case has arisen amid heightened scrutiny of Georgia’s electoral processes. Trump was indicted in Fulton County in August 2023, alongside 18 others, related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump has persistently claimed, without evidence, that he won the state, despite a manual recount confirming President Joe Biden’s narrow victory.
In an earlier correspondence, Alexander claimed that the sought-after records could not be disclosed without a court order.
Broader Context of Legal Actions
This lawsuit is part of a larger initiative by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, which recently filed similar complaints against four states: Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Nevada. These complaints allege violations of constitutional requirements regarding the production of statewide voter registration lists.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting election integrity. “If states will not fulfill their duty to protect the integrity of the ballot, we will,” Dhillon stated.
The Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections has refrained from commenting on the current litigation, and Che Alexander has not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the lawsuit.
