PSC candidate disqualification case set for hearing
BY DAVE WILLIAMS
Capitol Beat News
A Fulton County Superior Court judge has issued an injunction temporarily halting the enforcement of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger‘s order disqualifying Daniel Blackman from the state Public Service Commission (PSC) Democratic Primary ballot.
Raffensperger ruled that Blackman failed to prove he had established residence inside PSC District 3 at least one year before this November’s general election as required by state law.
One day later, Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville stayed the order in a one-page decision pending the outcome of a hearing set for June 10.
Raffensperger attempted to disqualify Blackman on the Democratic Primary ballot as early voting was underway in Georgia.
In a ruling that upheld a decision an administrative law judge handed down on May 27, Raffensperger declared that Blackman failed to prove he had established residence inside PSC District 3 at least one year before this November’s general election, as required by state law.
The challenge to Blackman’s residency was brought by a voter who lives in District 3, which covers DeKalb, Fulton, and Clayton counties.
Blackman is among four Democrats vying to win the party’s nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Commissioner Fitz Johnson.
According to a statement posted on Blackman’s campaign website, the candidate confirmed he was appealing the decision.
“(On May 28) the Secretary of State made the decision to disqualify me from the ballot in the race and contested primary for Georgia’s Public Service Commission, District 3,” said Blackman. “While I respectfully disagree with the ruling, I want to be clear: I am not stepping away. My team is appealing the decision, and I will remain fully committed to the fight for energy justice and public accountability in Georgia.”
Johnson and District 2 Commissioner Tim Echols are currently serving terms that were extended because of a 2022 lawsuit challenging the way members of the PSC are elected in Georgia.
Four Fulton County residents argued that electing the commissioners statewide rather than by district dilutes Black voting strength in violation of the federal Voting Rights Act.
A lower federal court agreed and ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, but the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals overturned that decision. The appellate court ruling was allowed to stand when the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to take up the case.
The General Assembly passed legislation last year scheduling special elections for PSC districts 2 and 3 this year.
During the ongoing primary election, voters will select the Democrats and Republicans who will face off against one another later this year in a general election on Nov. 4.
According to PSC’s website, the mission of the commission is to exercise its authority and influence to ensure that consumers receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced telecommunications, electric and natural gas services from financially viable and technically competent companies.
Early voting runs now through June 13, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend advance voting will also be available on Saturdays, May 31 and June 7, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays, June 1 and June 8, from noon to 5 p.m.
Special Primary Election Day will be held June 17. Voters will cast ballots at their designated precincts on Election Day.
For more information, visit www.dekalbvotes.com or call 404-298-4020.
The Champion Local News Editor Christine Fonville contributed to this article.
