Story perspectives

Judge Rejects Fulton County Bid, DOJ Retains 2020 Ballots

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

District Judge J.P. Boulee denied Fulton County’s request to return 2020 election ballots, letting the Justice Department keep them.
Boulee found the supporting affidavit defective but insufficient to show callous disregard of the county’s rights.
Fulton County will pursue legal options after the court rejected its Fourth and Tenth Amendment claims.
The investigation, referred by Kurt Olsen, issued a grand jury subpoena for names and contacts of 2020 election workers.

History

Historical Context

After the 2000 Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in Bush v. Gore halted Florida’s recount—citing inconsistent county standards and ending a contest decided by a 537-vote margin—states have faced ongoing federal-state election clashes. In December 2024, District Judge J.P. Boulee denied Fulton County’s bid to retrieve 2020 ballots, allowing Attorney General Merrick Garland’s Justice Department to retain them.

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Story summary

District Judge J.P. Boulee denied Fulton County’s request to return 2020 election ballots, letting the Justice Department keep them.
Boulee found the supporting affidavit defective but insufficient to show callous disregard of the county’s rights.
Fulton County will pursue legal options after the court rejected its Fourth and Tenth Amendment claims.
The investigation, referred by Kurt Olsen, issued a grand jury subpoena for names and contacts of 2020 election workers.

1 / 2