FBI reviewing Fulton County vote-count ‘deficiencies,’ court docs reveal
The FBI is investigating the handling of ballots in Fulton County during the 2020 election amid allegations of irregularities and record-keeping failures.
The FBI is currently investigating the handling of ballots in Fulton County, Georgia, related to the 2020 election. This investigation was initiated after newly filed search warrant affidavits indicated that there were various alleged ballot irregularities and failures in record-keeping. These documents were submitted in federal court by the Department of Justice and detail concerns about missing ballot images, inconsistent recount totals, and issues regarding the chain of custody of ballots. These allegations echo claims that have been frequently raised by former President Donald Trump and his supporters.
FBI special agent Hugh Evans, who authored the affidavits, emphasized the need for physical ballots to ascertain whether these irregularities were due to administrative mistakes or indicative of intentional misconduct. The investigation is noted to have originated from a referral provided by Kurt Olsen, who is described as a Trump-appointed director of election security and integrity, suggesting political motivations behind the scrutiny of Fulton County's election processes. The affidavits' revelations come on the heels of the FBI executing court-authorized search warrants at the Fulton County Election Hub, further highlighting the seriousness and scope of the inquiry.
As the investigation unfolds, it raises critical questions about election integrity and the potential implications for future elections. The action by the FBI signifies a significant federal interest in how state and local election processes are conducted, potentially affecting public confidence in the electoral system. With the spotlight on Fulton County, this case may lead to broader implications for election laws and policies, especially as allegations of election fraud and irregularities continue to permeate political discourse in the United States.