Georgia Fair Elections Expert Says GOP Needs To Move On From Voter Fraud Narrative

Most of the state’s GOP convention over the weekend focused on Donald Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud — claims that surprise David Becker, the Executive Director of the nonpartisan, non-profit Center for Election Innovation and Research. It’s that very non-profit the Georgia Secretary of State’s office engaged to assist with last year’s transition to a new, paper ballot voting system.

When he spoke recently with WABE’s “All Things Considered” host Jim Burres, Becker said the state ran a model election in November, and SB 202 — the new election law — is “unnecessary.”

And, he was asked if he’s surprised that Georgia politicians are still talking about election fraud six months later.

A note of clarification. The original story, now corrected, mistakenly mischaracterized the relationship between David Becker and state government, indicating Georgia hired Becker as an election consultant. That is not correct. The Georgia Secretary of State’s office engaged with the non-profit which Becker heads on an election-related matter. Any insinuation David Becker benefited personally or was paid directly is false. This updated version better reflects the context of the relationship. WABE regrets the error.    

Lily Oppenheimer contributed to this report.