FBI Affidavit Uncovers New Details in Fulton County Election Office Search
A newly released FBI affidavit sheds light on the investigation surrounding the Fulton County elections office. This document details the legal framework for a controversial search conducted last month. The search involved the collection of materials pertinent to the 2020 presidential election.
Background of the Investigation
The FBI initiated its investigation following a referral from Kurt Olsen, an attorney connected to efforts aimed at overturning the 2020 election results. Investigators pivoted their focus to allegations of potential improprieties in Fulton County, Georgia, suggesting violations of federal criminal laws.
Key Allegations
- The affidavit identified five critical issues regarding the 2020 electoral process in Fulton County.
- Concerns included discrepancies in ballot image counts, instances of ballots being scanned multiple times, and issues with absentee ballots.
- Auditors reported counting ballots that appeared uncreased and not properly returned, undermining their legitimacy.
Legal Actions Taken
On January 29, the FBI executed a search warrant at the Fulton County elections office. This warrant sought various items, including all physical ballots from the 2020 election and data from vote-tabulating machines.
County’s Response
In reaction to the search, Fulton County officials filed an emergency lawsuit. They are demanding the return of over 650 boxes containing election-related materials. The county urges the courts to maintain the status of these materials during the legal proceedings.
Federal Laws Involved
The FBI’s affidavit references violations of two significant federal laws. One prohibits election officials from intimidating voters or submitting fraudulent ballots. The other mandates that election records be retained for a minimum of 22 months.
Judicial Oversight
The search warrant was signed by a federal magistrate judge, reflecting typical procedure in criminal investigations. Probable cause must be established to justify such warrants.
Expert Opinions
David Becker, director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, criticized the affidavit for lacking substantial evidence. He expressed disappointment, noting it failed to indicate election theft or foreign involvement.
Becker emphasized that the challenges faced during the election appeared to stem from human error, particularly in the context of a global pandemic, and asserted that these mistakes did not influence the election outcome.
Ongoing Developments
The situation remains fluid as legal battles continue. The county’s move to dismiss a civil suit from the Justice Department over election records adds another layer to this unfolding narrative.
As more information becomes available from the investigation, stakeholders and the public await clarity on the implications for the 2020 election in Fulton County.
