Speaker Ralston Claims Millions Of Dollars Wasted In Delay Of Moving Primary
The following was just sent over by Speaker David Ralston’s office. It’s seems there’s still a bit of a chill in the relations between the Secretary of State and his former legislative chamber.
“I appreciate the Secretary of State finally using his statutory authority — which he has had all along — to delay the primary election in the interest of public health and safety. Having arrived at this inevitable conclusion after unnecessarily spending millions of additional taxpayer dollars, we can now move forward on a more realistic timeline that inspires confidence on the part of poll workers and voters alike.
“As we have seen this past week, wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on snap, systemic changes in our absentee ballot process invites careless administrative errors. In the first week of this universal mailing of these absentee applications, many members of the House and myself have already heard reports of potential fraud and abuse.
“We have been in touch with countless local elections officials, poll workers and constituents expressing concern over a May election date, and we have acted in their interest and on their behalf. Now, more than ever, we need decisive leadership that inspires confidence in our elections process and is responsive to the situation on the ground.
“This is not about opposition to absentee ballots. In fact, I encourage people to reach out directly to their county election office to request an absentee ballot as they have done for years.”
—Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge)
Given social distancing requirements, it’s safe to assume the Speaker and the Secretary of State won’t be hugging it out anytime soon.
About Author
Charlie
Founder of GeorgiaPol.com; Now weekly columnist Very interested in Georgia and Georginas. Interest in politics is waning daily.
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I’m calling BS on “potential fraud and abuse” potentially caused by …wait for it…mailing absentee ballot applications to verified addresses of registered voters. Which, in turn, are sent to their own county elections office for a 2nd verification. Sounds like folks are actually using these applications to contact a “county election office to request an absentee ballot as they have done for years”. Not sure what he is complaining about, nor do I see his proof of wasting “millions of additional taxpayer dollars”.
My understanding is absentee ballot applications are being sent only to “active” voters. They aren’t being mailed to inactive on course for future removal from the rolls because of not voting of late.
Something theoretical fraudsters ought to consider is that tampering with mail is a federal crime.
In the first week of this universal mailing of these absentee applications, many members of the House and myself have already heard reports of potential fraud and abuse.
“Potential” doing a lot of work here.
Lawyer speak meaning let me get my rural base fired up about something where absolutely no evidence of fraud or abuse has been presented.
Perhaps the they are looking into the “potential” of using this known NC Republican operative voter fraud. Only the best fraud. https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/02/election-fraud-is-real-and-it-involves-a-republican.html
That’s right– Aren’t we sick and tired of trading in innuendo nowadays?
If they have heard stories, report them to a D.A.
And maybe even be specific about what they’ve heard- what are the fraudulent plans?
I find it incredibly hard to believe anyone cares so much, or has the means to orchestrate much. My guess is that the so-called stories involve a couple of real possibilities: 1) Campaigns making sure that absentee ballots are completed and returned (which is 100% fine as long as they don’t do any personal delivery; however, they could certainly mail stamps to anybody); and 2) Family members assisting other family members, which is also fine provided the signatures on the ballot are done voluntarily and with competent state of mind.
Not sure where there is a real threat to any democratic process here. Which makes it sound like what is truly the concern is a partisan Democratic threat. I hope not, but it sure looks that way.
People have been sayin’, and I’ve been hearing.