Georgia secretary of state candidates split over integrity of 2020 election results

A group of law enforcement officials in uniform stand outside of a building
FBI agents are seen at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Union City, Ga, near Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

ATLANTA — When Georgia voters complete their ballots this year, one of the people they select will be the next person in charge of overseeing elections.

The Georgia Secretary of State handles business registration, professional licensing and regulation of charities and securities, all essential to the economy.

But that elected official also serves a role that is vital to the operation of democracy: voter registration, ballot preparation and certification of election results.