Habersham County Commission Vice-Chair Natalie Crawford is under fire for appearing with Stacey Abrams in a television ad promoting election reform in Georgia.
Some constituents and members of the media have questioned the local Republican’s decision to align herself with Abrams and the Democrat’s voting rights group, Fair Fight Action. Others have criticized Crawford’s push for paper ballots.
“…this isn’t a party issue and it’s not about individuals—this is a Georgia issue with widespread bipartisan support for election reform.” – Habersham County Commissioner Natalie Crawford
“Our system is broken”
Saturday, Crawford issued a statement explaining her support for reform and her decision to appear in the video alongside the former Democratic candidate for governor.
“Make no mistake, I am Republican, and I believe my record speaks for itself,” Crawfords states. “However, this isn’t a party issue and it’s not about individuals—this is a Georgia issue with widespread bipartisan support for election reform.”
Crawford points to Georgia’s State House District 28 as evidence of the need for reform. Twice now, a judge has overturned the results of the district’s Republican primary election due to voting errors in Habersham County. The district includes part of Habersham and all of Stephens and Banks counties.
RELATED Judge orders new election in House District 28
“Every eligible Georgia voter deserves to have their vote count,” Crawford’s statement reads. “Our system is broken—questionable voter rolls; malfunctioning voting machines; rural Georgians traveling long distances to reach their polling location; long lines; absentee ballots that never arrive; and inadequate support for local elections officials.”
In the video, Crawford voices her support for handmarked paper ballots and increased resources for local election officials.
“We cannot collectively neglect the deficiencies plaguing our elections because our voters and poll workers deserve better,” she says in her written statement. “Georgia can and should do better, and working together, we will because voting is the bedrock of our democracy.”
The TV spot featuring Crawford and Abrams is scheduled to air in select Georgia markets during the Super Bowl on Sunday.
