Secretary of State Handel Denies Challenge to Malik Douglas

Atlanta—Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today formally adopted the decision by an Administrative Law Judge that allows Malik Douglas to be eligible in Tuesday’s Special Election for State Representative in House District 93. The special election was called by Governor Sonny Perdue upon the vacancy created by the resignation of Representative Ron Sailor, Jr.

Secretary Handel adopted the decision and findings of fact in which a Judge found no evidence that Malik Douglas is not qualified to hold office. Mr. Douglas’ candidacy was challenged based on his residency. Mr. Douglas is currently serving as a member of the military police in Iraq as part of a National Guard unit.

“The State should not create higher hurdles for brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces who want and are otherwise eligible to stand for election here in Georgia,” Secretary Handel said.

The Special Election for House District 93 will occur on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. A run-off election, if necessary, will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2008.

The Special Election will take place in portions of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. Voters will be required to show one of the following six forms of photo identification when voting in-person on Election Day:

A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
Valid U.S. passport;
Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
Valid tribal photo ID.

If a voter does not have one of these forms of photo identification, they can obtain a free Voter ID card at their county registrars’ office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Voters in House District 93 can contact the DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections at (404) 298-4020 or the Rockdale County Voter Registration and Board of Elections at (770) 785-5947.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13. Voters can find voter registration information, including polling locations and legislative districts, by visiting http://sos.georgia.gov/cgi-bin/locator.asp or by calling (888) 265-1115.

Anyone with additional questions about Georgia’s photo ID requirements can visit www.GAPhotoID.com or call toll free (877) 725-9797.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

For Immediate Release May 12, 2008	FFI Contact: Matt Carrothers Director of Media Relations 404-656-4269 Candidates with qualifying inquiries should contact the Elections Division at 404-656-2871

Secretary of State Handel Denies Challenge to Malik Douglas Atlanta—Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today formally adopted the decision by an Administrative Law Judge that allows Malik Douglas to be eligible in Tuesday’s Special Election for State Representative in House District 93. The special election was called by Governor Sonny Perdue upon the vacancy created by the resignation of Representative Ron Sailor, Jr. Secretary Handel adopted the decision and findings of fact in which a Judge found no evidence that Malik Douglas is not qualified to hold office. Mr. Douglas’ candidacy was challenged based on his residency. Mr. Douglas is currently serving as a member of the military police in Iraq as part of a National Guard unit. “The State should not create higher hurdles for brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces who want and are otherwise eligible to stand for election here in Georgia,” Secretary Handel said. The Special Election for House District 93 will occur on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. A run-off election, if necessary, will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2008. The Special Election will take place in portions of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. Voters will be required to show one of the following six forms of photo identification when voting in-person on Election Day: A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired; Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS); Valid U.S. passport; Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state; Valid U.S. military photo ID; or Valid tribal photo ID. If a voter does not have one of these forms of photo identification, they can obtain a free Voter ID card at their county registrars’ office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Voters in House District 93 can contact the DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections at (404) 298-4020 or the Rockdale County Voter Registration and Board of Elections at (770) 785-5947. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13. Voters can find voter registration information, including polling locations and legislative districts, by visiting http://sos.georgia.gov/cgi-bin/locator.asp or by calling (888) 265-1115. Anyone with additional questions about Georgia’s photo ID requirements can visit www.GAPhotoID.com or call toll free (877) 725-9797. Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.