While some Georgia Republicans champion a return to paper ballots for state elections, the Georgia Republican Convention ironically opted against using them for their internal leadership vote held this past week in Whitfield County in Northwest Georgia. The decision sparked controversy and accusations of a rigged system. Party leaders announced the selection of the chairman and other leadership positions would be conducted using electronic “clickers,” a move that bypassed paper ballots prepared by a group of Republican activists present at the convention in Dalton.
The decision drew sharp criticism from some candidates. “This convention has been rigged,” declared Norine Cantor, a candidate for second vice chair, alleging a lack of morals and values within the party. Kylie Kremer, vying for another leadership post, echoed the sentiment, calling the party’s operation a “disgrace,” a statement met with resounding approval from segments of the crowd. “You guys have no idea what a functioning party looks like because this is all you know,” she added. Neither Cantor nor Kremer secured a place in party leadership. Incumbent Josh McKoon comfortably secured re-election as chairman, garnering nearly 64% of the 1,666 votes cast via the electronic clickers.
Following his victory, McKoon justified the electronic voting method, stating that paper ballots would have been too slow. Ironically, he simultaneously asserted that the state does possess the resources to conduct elections using paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines. McKoon dismissed the controversy surrounding the voting process. “I really appreciate the confidence of the delegates here in Dalton,” he said. “To win by a two-to-one margin is really pretty humbling.”
The decision to use electronic voting at the convention, while advocating for paper ballots in state elections, highlights a stark contrast within the Georgia Republican Party, raising questions about transparency and consistency in their approach to election integrity.
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