Justice Department Seeks Names of 2020 Fulton County Election Workers

The Justice Department is seeking names, addresses, and phone numbers of poll workers and ballot counters who handled ballots in Fulton County during the 2020 presidential election. A prosecutor working with the grand jury told a federal judge on May 19 that investigators plan to interview the workers once contact details are obtained.

The prosecutor said the interviews would help determine whether any individuals observed or participated in improper activity.

Background on the Request The county’s elections office has asked the judge to block the subpoena. Officials argued that releasing the information would amount to an overly broad investigation and could discourage residents from working future elections.

A county lawyer stated at the hearing that the request seeks information outside the timeframe for possible federal criminal charges. The lawyer also said turning over the data could expose workers to targeting or harassment.

Statements at the Hearing The prosecutor told the judge there is no other method besides a grand jury subpoena to obtain the workers’ contact information for interviews. The prosecutor added that investigators do not yet know what charges, if any, might result from the inquiry.

The Justice Department previously took possession of Fulton County’s 2020 ballots and other election materials. A separate federal judge later rejected the county’s lawsuit seeking their return. The judge has not yet ruled on whether to enforce the subpoena for the workers’ information.