In a remarkable display of unity and determination on a hot button issue, Georgia has emerged as a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle for election integrity. Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of True the Vote, recently expressed her admiration for the efforts made by Georgians in a state election board meeting, highlighting a significant step towards transparent and fair elections that has unfolded over the last two days.
“Yesterday was just an amazing day that all Georgians and all Americans should be really, really proud of,” Engelbrecht stated, reflecting the sentiment of many who are eager to see reforms in the electoral process.
A Bipartisan Push for Change
One of the most notable aspects of the recent Georgia election board meeting was the bipartisan nature of the discussions. Engelbrecht pointed out that people from both Republican and Democratic backgrounds came together to voice their concerns and propose solutions. This collaboration was evident as they presented to a bipartisan state election board, signaling a shift in how electoral integrity is approached. “Yesterday we saw people on both sides of the aisle standing together saying, ‘Enough is enough,'” Engelbrecht remarked.
This unity is further emphasized by the fact that a crucial motion was approved by a Republican and seconded by a Democrat.
Engelbrecht shared, “One of the people who presented made a very distinct point of saying we may not agree on political stances, but we must agree on the appropriate process and the legitimacy of the policies.” This collective agreement on the importance of process over politics marks a turning point in addressing election issues.
Empowering Election Officials and Poll Watchers
The changes implemented in Georgia are not merely symbolic; they offer tangible improvements in the election process. New measures include granting access to ballot images, enabling poll watchers to observe tabulation centers, and allowing election officials to support the process as late as necessary to ensure accuracy. Engelbrecht believes these initiatives will bolster transparency and confidence among both voters and election workers. “These are the kind of initiatives that bolster transparency and integrity and confidence in both voters and election workers,” she said.
Engelbrecht hopes that these changes will resonate beyond Georgia, setting a precedent for other states. “Let’s just hope we have said goodbye to those days and are now on offense for election integrity,” she added, referring to past issues with election transparency.
A Citizen-Driven State of Emergency
The call for a “state of emergency” regarding Georgia’s election system highlights the urgency felt by citizens and the pressing need for reform.
Engelbrecht praised this grassroots movement, stating, “I loved that turn of phrase. I think they’re spot on with it.” The emphasis on citizen involvement underscores the importance of public participation in shaping electoral policies.
True the Vote is committed to furthering these efforts by engaging in various projects to ensure voter registration accuracy and outreach.
Engelbrecht is particularly excited about the “Older, But Wiser Voter Outreach” initiative, which aims to include long-term care facility residents in the electoral process. “There are millions of people who are in facilities like this across the country who often just get left out of the process,” she noted, highlighting the often-overlooked demographic.
A New Day for Election Integrity
As Georgia takes significant strides toward improving its electoral system, Engelbrecht’s comments reflect a broader movement to restore faith in the democratic process. The collaboration between citizens, political parties, and advocacy groups like True the Vote signals a new era of accountability and transparency. “It’s a new day in Georgia, and hopefully, it is the end to what we saw in 2020,” Engelbrecht asserted, expressing optimism for the future of elections in America.
In a time when electoral integrity is a hot-button issue, Georgia’s recent actions serve as a model for other states to follow. The commitment to fair and transparent elections transcends political divides, proving that when citizens unite for a common cause, meaningful change is possible.
As Engelbrecht aptly put it, “At the end of the day, it’s the citizens of Georgia who are the victors, and yesterday was an enormous triumph.”
The WarRoom audience members who have participated in these election movements have something big to celebrate this week.
For more context on this victory, watch the full segment:
Engelbrecht: Georgia Citizens Declared “State Of Emergency” On Election System