Peach Tree Times

Fulton County Election Director Richard Barron, who has faced backlash concerning several issues was voted to be removed from his post.

It was a 3-2 vote from Fulton County Registration and Elections Board.

Controversy on absentee ballots, voter fraud allegations from former President Donald J. Trump, and long lines of waiting to vote were some issues that Baron faced over the course of last year.

According to WSB-TV Channel 2 reporter Justin Gray, it was hours of back and forth between the board before reaching the decision.

“June was a nightmare,” said Vice Chair Vernetta Keith Nuriddin. “We had so many issues every single election. Even in November, even in January.”

Aaron Johnson, who voted against the termination, thinks “there were great innovations in 2020 with the department under his leadership, he pushed to maximize the use of drop boxes, utilize empty space with State Farm Arena High Museum of Art.”

Barron remains in his role while the Board of Commission has to review and decide on the legality of removing him.

The Board, under the code, has the capacity to ratify the appointment of the Elections Director. However, they still have to determine who has the authority to remove Barron.