Georgia PSC Candidate Blackman Appeals Disqualification, Stays on Ballot

Daniel Blackman, a Democratic candidate for the Georgia Public Service Commission District 3 seat, has been temporarily reinstated on the primary ballot after appealing his disqualification for failing to meet residency requirements. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and an administrative law judge had disqualified Blackman, citing insufficient evidence that he lived in District 3 for the required 12 months, noting that Blackman voted in Forsyth County after his claimed move to Fulton County. Blackman contends he moved to Fulton County for work while his family remained in Forsyth County to finish the school year, and he delayed changing his voter registration to comply with Georgia’s 30-day rule before elections. Chief Judge Ural Glanville of Fulton County Superior Court granted an injunction allowing Blackman to remain on the ballot pending a June 10 hearing on his appeal. Blackman's lawyer expressed confidence that all facts and the law support Blackman’s qualifications to run. The primary election is scheduled for June 17, with four Democrats, including Blackman, competing for the nomination.