Board asks staff to research legality of virtual pre-certification meetings

At the Cobb County Board of Elections pre-certification meeting a board member asked staff to investigate whether smaller pre-certification meetings could be held virtually.

The request prompted discussion about legal authority and public access. One board member said the state’s election board has conducted substantive meetings virtually during and after the pandemic. Daniel, identified in the discussion by name, replied repeatedly that he would research the issue and provide a legal opinion: "I'll look," he said when asked to investigate whether pre-certification meetings could be held remotely. Board members noted that any shift to virtual meetings would need to preserve public access and transparency; staff suggested continuing to broadcast while exploring options.

Members agreed not to mandate virtual sessions for all statewide matters; one board member said statewide meetings such as public service commission certification or other large, statewide items should remain in person. The request to Daniel was recorded as a direction to staff to evaluate the legal framework for virtual pre-certification meetings and report back to the board.

No formal vote occurred on the question; the item was recorded as a staff assignment.