Judge Rejects GOP Lawsuit on Georgia Ballots

A federal judge, R. Stan Baker, appointed by Donald Trump, has rejected a lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee and the Georgia Republican Party aiming to stop absentee ballots returned after the early voting period in seven Democratic-leaning counties in Georgia. The judge criticized the lawsuit for lacking legal merit and misinterpreting state election laws, which allow absentee ballots to be returned until Election Day, not just before the end of early voting. The GOP's complaint alleged the counties' actions were unlawful and disrupted their election efforts, but the judge described these claims as 'factually and legally incorrect' and based on 'red herrings.' The lawsuit was perceived as an attempt to disenfranchise voters in counties less likely to support Republican candidates. Judge Baker's decision allows the ballots to be counted, emphasizing adherence to state law and protecting the integrity of the electoral process. This ruling follows a similar defeat in state court, further underscoring the legal validity of the counties' actions.