In an eleventh hour decision by SOS Karen Handel, Democratic candidate for PSC Jim Powell has been disqualified from the General Primary Election.
You can download a PDF copy of the decision here.
A few facts about this case:
The decision is signed and dated on July 10th, 2008. Jim Powell was not notified by the Secretary of State’s office on Thursday. Or Friday. Or Saturday. Or even Sunday. In fact, he was never notified. Over the weekend, Jim began hearing rumors that he was disqualified, and took it on himself to call the SOS this morning, whereupon he was notified that he was, in fact, disqualified. During the phone call, the Director of Elections then offered to send him a copy of the decision.
In “Findings of Fact,” section 3, the SOS decision says, “Respondent spends approximately 60% of his time at the Towns County Property. In the District, Respondent attends church, pays taxes, registered two cars, registered to vote, voted three (3) times, owns and operates a boat, obtained a driver’s license, and receives some of his mail.”
In her Voter ID TRO testimony, the Secretary said under oath (paraphrasing) that to inform all of the polling places in Georgia of a change in policy concerning Voter ID would cause “mass chaos,” and she further implied that it would be almost impossible. Yet, in this case, she has taken it upon herself to do exactly that – notifying every polling place in the state that Mr. Powell is disqualified.
Related link: Handel boots three from ballot, from PI
Keith Gross, Erik Underwood and Jim Powell get tossed.
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