Cobb judge repeats July ruling, orders new county election maps

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — For the second time in as many months, Cobb County Superior Court Judge Kellie S. Hill ruled that the Cobb County Election Board’s version of the electoral map was unconstitutional and ordered them to use maps drafted by state legislators.

In July, Hill had previously told the Cobb County Commissioners to follow that ruling, but they appealed on the grounds that Georgia’s constitution provides for them to circumvent state maps and draw their own through a “Home Rule” provision.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Hill wrote in her July ruling that the Home Rule Map lacked the authority or constitutionality to redraw the electoral districts in the county.

More specifically, Hill ruled that the redrawn map by the Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration had made a “legal decision under the superseded statute” to determine a candidate for County Commissioner Post 2, Alicia Adams, was not eligible to run.

RELATED STORIES:

• Judge orders Cobb Board of Elections to create “interim remedial map” after gerrymander accusations
• Cobb judge says county’s electoral maps unconstitutional, elections to be redone in 2 districts
• Groups move to block ‘gerrymandered’ Cobb Board of Education district maps ahead of 2024 election

Adams then sued, which is what brought the case to Hill’s courtroom.

July’s ruling by Hill said the BOER’s actions were reversed and Adams was a qualified candidate, saying that the map’s removal of her eligibility via the residency requirement would not stand.

At a Tuesday hearing for the Board’s appeal, Hill reaffirmed her decision, ordering that the electoral map used be the one drafted by the state legislature, rather than county election officials.

Ross Cavitt, the Cobb County Communications Director, confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that the ruling meant the county will have to redo the primary elections for two open seats on the commission, for Districts 2 and 4. As a result, both seats will have special elections in 2025.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:

Campaign officials give insight into Harris-Walz ticket as they prepare for 2 more big nights at DNC

©2024 Cox Media Group