Governor Brian Kemp called for a complete audit of absentee ballot signatures late Thursday evening. The governor appeared on Fox News to express concern with the findings presented during Thursday’s Georgia Senate hearing.
“I called early on for a signature audit. Obviously, the Secretary of State per the laws and the Constitution would have to order that – he has not done that. I think it should be done,” he said. “I think, especially from what we saw today, it [the evidence presented] raises more questions. There needs to be transparency on that. I would, again, call for that.”
One of the widely-circulated pieces of evidence presented during the hearing was security footage from one of the vote counting centers. The footage appeared to depict several poll workers waiting until poll workers, monitors, and the media departed before pulling out baskets of ballots from underneath tables and resuming counting.
The governor acknowledged that he is upset with the post-election proceedings as much as the president. He added that he supports future changes to the absentee ballot system, including the addition of a photo ID requirement.
The Senate Committee on Government Oversight and the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee convened to discuss constituents’ concerns over Georgia’s election procedures and present testimonies linked to affidavits.
The Georgia Star News reached out to Governor Kemp’s office for further clarification on his decision to request a signature audit, as well as how it may affect the election results certification.
Spokespersons from the governor’s office referred The Star News to a statement issued by Communications Director Cody Hall.
“.@GovKemp first announced his support for a sample signature audit on Nov 20 in a statewide, televised speech,” Hall tweeted. “He reiterated his support on Nov 24. The answer to @IngrahamAngle marked his third time making that request. #gapol[.]”
.@GovKemp first announced his support for a sample signature audit on Nov 20 in a statewide, televised speech. https://t.co/aCxkISmbHd
He reiterated his support on Nov 24. https://t.co/vAzklCrRfU
The answer to @IngrahamAngle marked his third time making that request. #gapol https://t.co/DGWsq2kZ8q
— Cody Hall (@CodyHallGA) December 4, 2020
In weeks prior, the governor opted to remain silent on concerns raised over certain issues with the election’s integrity. Kemp didn’t address scrutiny over Dominion Voting Systems or the overall validity of absentee ballots cast in the election.
Although legislators and voters are pushing Kemp to call a special session, the governor has stated that he has no intentions of holding one.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Brian Kemp” by Brian Kemp. Background Photo “Georgia Capital” by andre m. CC BY-SA 3.0.
