Former Georgia officials unite to safeguard election integrity
- Four former Georgia officials are joining forces to combat efforts to undermine trust in elections.
- Milton Kidd, a Georgia elections official, speaks out about the threats he received post-2020 election.
- A group is formed to defend and uphold the legitimacy of elections in Georgia.
In a bid to combat the spread of disinformation and restore trust in the electoral process, four prominent former officials in Georgia have united to form a group dedicated to countering efforts that undermine faith in elections. The group includes former Governor Nathan Deal, ex-U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, former Governor Roy Barnes, and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. They aim to address the growing distrust fueled by misinformation and political agendas that threaten the foundation of the nation. The initiative, which involves seeking media coverage and fundraising for advertisements, comes amidst ongoing challenges to election integrity in Georgia and nationwide. Despite repeated changes in election laws by the Republican-majority legislature, state and local officials continue to face backlash from critics who claim the 2020 election was stolen and the system is flawed. This climate of uncertainty has led to a significant lack of confidence in the electoral process, with only 22% of Republicans expressing trust in the accuracy of vote counting. Former U.S. Senator Chambliss, a vocal supporter of Georgia's election system, has been advocating for Secretary of State Raffensperger and defending the integrity of the state's elections. The group's efforts to combat disinformation and divisive rhetoric are particularly timely as the 2024 presidential campaign kicks off with a debate between Democratic President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in Atlanta. The former officials stress the importance of moving beyond polarizing narratives and safeguarding the core values of democracy. Former Governor Barnes highlighted the detrimental impact of undermining America's foundational principles for short-term political gain, emphasizing the lasting consequences for the nation. The group's commitment to promoting transparency, countering misinformation, and fostering trust in the electoral process reflects a broader effort to protect the integrity of elections and uphold democratic norms in the face of mounting challenges and threats.