Peach Tree Times

U.S. District Judge Steve Jones has ruled that Georgia election practices challenged by a group associated with her do not violate the constitutional rights of voters, according to a report by FOX 5 Atlanta.

First filed in 2018 by Fair Fight Action, an organization founded by Abrams and still with close ties to her and her campaign, the federal suit alleged serious problems with the state's election system, leaving into question how fair elections can be in the state as long as such rules are in place.

"The conduct of this trial and preceding cases and legislative actions represent a hard-won victory for voters who endured long lines, burdensome date of birth requirements and exact match laws that disproportionately impact Black and Brown voters," Abrams wrote in a Twitter statement following the result.

According to the report, in rendering his final verdict, Jones acknowledged that "Georgia's election system is not perfect," but quickly added in his opinion that the practices being challenged in the lawsuit failed to register as clear-cut violations of the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In the wake of the court’s ruling, Abrams vowed to continue the fight for what she believes in. In referencing the suit, she said this case and the public engagement on these issues has resulted in the reinstatement of over 22,000 ballots and led to substantive changes to voting laws as well as a platform for voters of color to demand greater equity in Georgia.

"During this suit, more than 3,000 voters shared their stories, creating an unprecedented and lasting record of voter testimony, which highlighted the suppressive effects of the Secretary of State’s actions on vulnerable voters," Abrams added. "As governor, I will expand the right to vote. I will defend minority voters, not bemoan their increased power or grow ‘frustrated’ by their success."