Voter Challenge Public Records Request
| Submitted | June 28, 2024 |
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Communications
From: Eva Xiao
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, I hereby request the following records:
1) County data for all challenges to other voters’ registrations from November 3, 2020 to the time that the request is processed. Please make sure that the responsive documents include the name of the person who filed the voter challenge as well as the materials they submitted as part of their challenge claim.
2) Correspondence and details related to the processing and, if applicable, the outcome (approval, rejection, etc.) of the voter challenge claim.
3) If maintained: any documents, lists, or spreadsheets that illustrate or track how many voter registration challenges have been filed by specific individuals. (Ex. any document that would show that a John Doe filed 30 voter registration challenges, Jane Doe filed 20, etc.)
I would like these records in electronic format, sent via email or other digital method.
If there are any questions about my request, I am happy to hop on the phone (914-817-4482) in addition to corresponding via email.
If you determine that any of the information qualifies for an exemption from disclosure, I ask you to note whether the exemption is discretionary, and if so whether it is necessary in this case to exercise your discretion to withhold the information. In any event, please provide a signed notification citing the legal authorities on which you rely if you determine that any of the information is exempt and will not be disclosed.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 3 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Eva Xiao
From:
This email originated from inside Macon-Bibb County Government. Do NOT click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message sent internally from: tgillon@maconbibb.us
Hello:
In that time period, we've only had challenges this year, by one individual.
Dr. David Sumrall challenged six lists of voters, in two separate challenges.
The first challenge was for three groups:
1. Those whose addresses were at Mercer University (and used post office boxes rather than physical addresses.)
2. Those who used USPS post office boxes or UPS boxes as their addresses.
3. Those who matched with voters who have moved out of Georgia.
Due to the closeness of the upcoming May election, the Board voted to not consider the challenges.
Dr. Sumrall's second challenge was in July, and also consisted of three lists:
1. Those who used USPS post office boxes or UPS boxes as their addresses.
2. Those who matched with voters who are now living in North Carolina.
3. Those who matched with voters who lived in other states besides North Carolina.
The Board voted to not do anything with the out of state voters, as state laws and federal laws on the matter conflict with each other.
The Board voted to classify the voters who list PO Boxes and UPS boxes as "challenged" so that if they do vote in the future, they will have to provide their physical address in order for their votes to count.
Attached are the lists of voters referenced above.
Thanks,
Tom
Thomas Gillon
Elections Supervisor
Macon-Bibb County Board of Elections
478-310-4355
Tgillon@maconbibb.us<mailto:Tgillon@maconbibb.us>
From: Eva Xiao
Hi,
Thanks so much for your help with this request! I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Eva Xiao
From: Macon-bibb County Board Of Elections
This email originated from inside Macon-Bibb County Government. Do NOT click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message sent internally from: tgillon@maconbibb.us
Ms. Xiao:
I responded to your request on July 24th. I did not use the upload link provided in the email, but sent the responsive documents as attachments.
Thanks,
Tom
Thomas Gillon
Elections Supervisor
Macon-Bibb County Board of Elections
478-310-4355
Tgillon@maconbibb.us<mailto:Tgillon@maconbibb.us>
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