The Randolph County Board of Elections rejected a controversial proposal that would have closed seven out of nine polling places in the predominately black Georgia county.
The measure was struck down in a 2-0 vote that took less than a minute, according to CNN. The courtroom was so packed, people were standing as the board called the meeting to order.
Randolph County released a statement following the decision:
“In the United States, the right to vote is sacred,” the board said. “The interest and concern shown has been overwhelming, and it is an encouraging reminder that protecting the right to vote remains a fundamental American principle.”
The initiative sparked outrage when it was announced on August 9. Mike Malone, the consultant who came up with the plan, argued the locations were not wheelchair accessible and closing them would save the country money. Malone was fired on Wednesday, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Critics argued the closings were an attempt to undermine the campaign of Stacey Abrams, who, if elected, would be the first black female governor in the country. Sixty-one percent of Randolph County’s 7,100 residents are black.
Malone donated $250 to Abram’s opponent, Brian Kemp. Both candidates condemned the closings and praised the board’s vote.
Kemp applauded the decision and despite his connection to Malone, blamed the proposal on the Democrats.
"I was the first elected official in Georgia to publicly oppose the plan to close Republican leaning precincts in Randolph County, which is under Democratic rule," Kemp said.
"Today, the Board of Elections, who are empowered to make these decisions, finally did the right thing and rejected this ill-advised, poorly timed proposal from an independent consultant who is not backed by the Secretary of State's office."
Abrams also released a statement, reports WTVM.
“Today is a triumph, not just for the people of Randolph County, but for every Georgian," Abrams' statement read. "In a predominantly black, rural community, where public transportation is severely lacking, asking voters to travel up to 30 miles to access the ballot box would have been antithetical to our democratic values. I applaud Randolph County on its decision keep all nine of its polling locations open — and I recommit to ensuring that all eligible Georgians in every region of our state have access the ballot box, to cast their votes and make their voices heard.”
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