On Tuesday, a Georgia Supreme Court ruling rejected Republican efforts to block the original lower court ruling and blocked the worst of the new rules. The high court also declined to accelerate consideration of the appeal. That means the appeal won’t be considered until after the election, and the State Board of Elections rules at issue won’t go into effect this cycle.
When these appeals are ultimately heard, it is important that the Georgia appellate court’s decision be upheld and affirm the trial court’s decision. Supporting these decisions would reinforce that elections cannot be manipulated to suit the wishes of particular factions. If the appeals court reverses these decisions, it would demonstrate that partisan influence can override legal protections. Decisions in these cases will shape the future of elections in Georgia and nationwide, sending a message about whether laws will be upheld or distorted to serve political ends.
The path the MAGA movement and its leaders are charting is dangerous. The lies they spread fueled violence and criminal activity. They have proven that they will stop at nothing to win, even if it means undermining democracy itself. But we can stop them by defending the rule of law, returning to the ballot box, rejecting their disruption, and defending our freedoms.
President Trump and his allies have made clear they will continue their disruptive efforts.
While these court decisions are definitely a victory, the battle is far from over. These decisions remind us that courts can uphold democracy, but only if the people demand accountability.
We must reject attempts to manipulate the system and continue to protect elections at all levels. It is up to us, as Georgians and as Americans, to reject those who undermine our democracy and ensure that our elections remain fair and independent. Together, we must protect the integrity of our democracy not just with our words, but with our votes.
Norman Eisen is an advisor to Democracy Defenders PAC. Richard Painter is a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Law.
