Two civic groups are pressing Fulton County commissioners to stop resisting a court order and fill open seats on the county’s election board.
On Thursday, Democracy Defense Project – Georgia and RightCount Georgia issued a joint statement saying commissioners should comply with Judge David Emerson’s ruling to appoint two Republicans, Julie Adams and Jason Frazier, to the five-member Fulton County Board of Elections.
The groups didn’t mince words:
“Obeying court orders—even when you disagree with them—is a cornerstone of the Rule of Law and of our Constitutional Republic. “
Why this fight matters
- The law: Georgia requires county election boards to include two Democrats, two Republicans, and a chair chosen by the county commission.
- The standoff: Commissioners voted against appointing Adams and Frazier, despite a court order. Some said they opposed the picks on principle, citing ties to the “Stop the Steal” movement.
- The consequences: Judge Emerson initially tried to fine commissioners $10,000 a day for defying the order, but those penalties are on hold while the county appeals.
Who’s weighing in
- Democracy Defense Project – Georgia is backed by bipartisan heavyweights including former Gov. Nathan Deal (R), former Gov. Roy Barnes (D), former Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R), and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin (D). The group says its mission is to defend the transparency and security of Georgia elections.
- RightCount Georgia focuses on civic education and election integrity in underserved communities.
What’s next
The case is now in the appeals process. Until there’s a ruling, commissioners aren’t paying fines ,but they’re still under heavy pressure from civic groups, judges, and voters to resolve the deadlock.
How to Read and Understand the News
Truth doesn’t bend because we dislike it.
Facts don’t vanish when they make us uncomfortable.
Events happen whether we accept them or not.
Good reporting challenges us. The press isn’t choosing sides — it’s relaying what official, verified sources say. Blaming reporters for bad news is like blaming a thermometer for a fever.
Americans have a history of misunderstanding simple things. In the 1980s, A&W rolled out a 1/3-pound burger to compete with McDonald’s Quarter Pounder. It failed because too many people thought 1/3 was smaller than 1/4. If we can botch basic math, we can certainly misread the news.
Before dismissing a story, ask yourself:
- What evidence backs this?
- Am I reacting to facts or feelings?
- What would change my mind?
- Am I just shooting the messenger?
And one more: Am I assuming bias just because I don’t like the story?
Smart news consumers seek truth, not comfort.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
