Most counties within the State of Georgia follow an outline provided in OCGA 21-2-40. This initial County Election Board created by the General Assembly includes three non-partisan positions on the Board of Elections, plus one representative each from the recognized local political parties (as described in OCGA 21-2-191) to total 5 Board Members.

Clayton County currently has what should be an entirely non-partisan Board of Elections, however for several years, a prominent Democrat Party member has served on our Board of Elections. The member served as both Clayton County Democrat Party Chair and Election Board Member.

If the Democrat Party has such a connection within the Election Process in Clayton County, it is only fair to provide a similar, if not equal connection to all other recognized parties.

The Board of Elections does not need to be completely restructured, rather, by local Act, the Board of Commissioners should simply add one position to the Election Board for each Political Party. That position will be filled by the respective Executive Committee of each local Party.

Equal representation benefits all voters. Amend the Board of Elections.