ATLANTA — Yesterday, during Georgia’s voter registration deadline, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), ACLU of Georgia, the American Civil Liberties Union (together, ACLU) and Akerman LLP celebrated a successful intervention in Oconee County, Ga., on behalf of Oconee resident Susan Noakes and Common Cause Georgia, in Heimel v. Gregg, ultimately stopping mass voter challenges. The motion to dismiss a request challenging approximately 230 county residents was granted and the case was dismissed.
“These egregious and frivolous cases do not respect the will of the people. Bad actors who sought to sow chaos and divide our country did not prevail, and we appreciate the court’s move to dismiss this case in Oconee County,” said Courtney O’Donnell, senior staff attorney, democracy and voting rights, Southern Poverty Law Center. “For democracy to work for all of us, all of us must have our voices heard and our votes counted at the ballot box on Election Day, November 5th. We look forward to continuing to protect the freedom to vote for every voter.”
“Vigilante challengers are attempting to control the voter rolls across the state and then trying to weaponize the judicial system when they don’t get their preferred outcomes. We were pleased that this case was rightfully dismissed and look forward to continuing to fight for access to the ballot for all voters in Georgia without fear of being improperly removed in the immediate run up to an important election,” said Caitlin May, voting rights staff attorney, ACLU of Georgia.
The court is now set to hear arguments, on October 21, from SPLC, ACLU and Akerman claims that the Oconee County Board of Elections and Registration’s actions violate Georgia law prohibiting challenges of an elector within 45 days of an election.
Read the initial filing here and cross claim here.
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The ACLU of Georgia enhances and defends the civil liberties and rights of all Georgians through legal action, legislative and community advocacy, and civic education and engagement. For more information, visit www.acluga.org
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org.