Judge throws out lawsuit over 2018 Georgia governor's election
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Stacey Abrams. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
A judge on Friday ruled against Fair Fight Action, the voting rights group Stacey Abrams created, in a suit that challenged the state’s voting system.
The big picture: The suit was looking to change how Georgia administers elections even though the judge had already thrown out many of its original complaints, Axios' Emma Hurt reported.
Flashback: Fair Fight Action's suit was filed four years ago after Abrams lost the 2018 governor's race to Republican nominee Brian Kemp based on alleged “misconduct, fraud or irregularities” in the voting process.
- After conceding the race, Abrams said that she would file a federal lawsuit that challenged the “gross mismanagement” of Georgia’s election.
What they're saying: “Although Georgia's election system is not perfect, the challenged practices violate neither the constitution nor the [Voting Rights Amendment],” U.S. District Judge Steven Jones wrote.
- Fair Fight Action director Cianti Stewart-Reid in a statement called the trial "nothing short of historic" and vowed the ruling would not undermine the organization's work "to support Georgia voters and mitigate the obstacles they face to make their voices heard at the ballot box."
- In a statement, Abrams said despite the ruling, the case "had measurable results," including some voting policy changes and "a platform for voters of color to demand greater equity in our state." More than 22,000 people also had their ability to cast a ballot reinstated, she said.
- "The battle for voter empowerment over voter suppression persists," Abrams added.
- Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the lead defendant, said of the ruling: "Stolen election and voter suppression claims by Stacey Abrams were nothing but poll-tested rhetoric not supported by facts & evidence."
What's next: Abrams is currently running for governor again, but currently trails Kemp, according to the latest Atlanta Journal-Constitution/University of Georgia poll.
Go deeper: Fair Fight flexes new muscle in Georgia Democratic primaries
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include statements from Stacey Abrams, Brad Raffensperger and Fair Fight Action director Cianti Stewart-Reid.
