The Georgia Supreme Court will not hear the appeal of a Hall County House candidate disqualified in a legal battle over citizenship requirements. Secretary of State Brian Kemp disqualified Democrat Maria Palacios because she didn’t become a US citizen until last year, removing her from the ballot in May. Kemp says she was taken off the ballot because the constitution requires House candidates to be citizens for two years.
“We’re disappointed that the Georgia Supreme Court has failed to defend the state constitution,” stated Sean J. Young, Legal Director of the ACLU of Georgia. “However, the fight is far from over. We will continue fighting for the sacred, fundamental right to vote for every Georgian including the right of newly naturalized U.S. citizens to run for public office.”