Fulton County Fights DOJ Demand for 2020 Election Worker Data
Federal prosecutors demand personal data for 3,000 election workers, but county officials refuse to comply pending court review.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Fulton County officials are challenging a federal subpoena that would require them to provide personal information for nearly 3,000 election workers and volunteers from the 2020 presidential election.
The U.S. Department of Justice is requesting the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections supply names, positions, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of all county election workers and volunteer poll workers involved in the 2020 general election. A court summons was signed by Northern District of Georgia Clerk of Court Kevin P. Weimer on April 17 and made public in a court filing this week.
County Argues Subpoena Targets Political Opponents
On Monday, Fulton County’s lawyers filed a motion to block the Justice Department’s request. The 27-page motion claims the subpoena was intended “to target, harass, and punish the President’s perceived political opponents” and could discourage poll workers from participating in future elections.
The county’s legal team also pointed out that the statute of limitations for any election-related crimes committed in 2020 has expired, meaning no criminal prosecutions could result from the requested data.
County Refuses Compliance Until Court Rules
A federal grand jury met in Atlanta Tuesday morning, but no one attended on behalf of the county, according to Michael O’Connor, deputy chief of staff for Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts. O’Connor stated that Fulton officials would not turn over any data until a judge ruled on their motion to quash the subpoena.
The Justice Department’s demand comes as Fulton County, which encompasses much of Atlanta, remains a focal point in ongoing disputes over the 2020 election. The county has previously faced scrutiny over its election administration and vote counting procedures.
Privacy Concerns for Election Workers
The county’s motion emphasizes concerns about protecting the privacy of thousands of Georgians who volunteered their time to ensure elections ran smoothly. Officials argue that releasing personal contact information could expose these workers to harassment or intimidation.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal authorities and local election officials over access to voter and election worker information. Similar disputes have emerged in other states where the Justice Department has sought records related to the 2020 election.
The federal court has not yet scheduled a hearing on Fulton County’s motion to quash the subpoena. Until a ruling is issued, county officials maintain they will not comply with the Justice Department’s demand for the election worker information.
